Try reconciliation first, not immediate arrest in dowry cases: HC

Jaipur, Apr 27 (UNI) In a significant decision on dowry cases, Rajasthan High Court has directed the police to first attempt 'reconciliation' efforts between estranged couples rather than concentrating on 'immediate arrest' of the husband and in-laws.

Justice Dalip Singh gave this order yesterday while admitting the petition of Subhash of village Atela near Jaipur. Subhash was having trouble in his domestic life and his wife lodged a dowry harassment case against him. Later there were indications of reconciliation between Subhash and his wife. But someone instigated his wife to lodge an FIR, which sent her in-laws to jail for harassing her for dowry. This enraged Subhash and he refused to take in his wife again.

The court sent a copy of the order to Director General of Police and asked all police station incharges to take legal advise in dowry harassment cases.

The court said the police should show restrain and first try reconciliation efforts between the parties with the help of family and friends for cases lodged under Section 498 and 406 of IPC.

The court said the police is free to effect immediate arrest but should try to take the help of mediators first. Immediate arrests often become stumbling blocks and close doors for negotiations and the most affected are the innocent children whose mental development is also stymied.

UNI