Dowry: A threat against women

In Indian society, millions of women live in conditions of deprivation and suppression. The violence against women is increasing day by day. Women's are worst victims of exploitation from centuries ago. This has been due to spread of social evils like rape, sexual harassment, molestation, dowry deaths etc. There are many factors responsible behind exploitation of women. Just like rising population the cases of dowry deaths and injustice by husband have been increasing considerably. No doubt, the Constitution of India ensures equal right for every citizen irrespective of sex, colour, creed etc. But in reality, women are not enjoying equal status position as compared to men in our country. In this context, several measures have been formulated and implemented by the Government but no desirable results have been achieved as required. ’ Dowry has always been considered as an important component of marriage in our country. Due to this evil, the dignity of women declines in our society. As per the report of 1997, around 5000 women die every year because of dowry deaths. In this context, the present paper attempts to analyse the intensity of dowry related crimes practised against women in India over the period of five years. The paper examined the dowry related crimes against women through cases related to Dowry deaths (section-302/304 B IPC) and cases registered under Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The persons arrested under both categories of dowry related crimes with respect to all States and Union-Territories has also been compared to get an overall position of dowry related crime committed against women in India. The study is based upon secondary data and has been collected from reports,’ Crime in India”, published by National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The data has been analysed by using percentage analysis and interpretations were made accordingly. The data highlights that there were about 8233 dowry deaths cases registered in India in 2012 and among states, Uttar Pradesh has registered highest number of dowry deaths cases of 11252 as compared to other states during the period. Further, the cases registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 also increased from 5555 cases in 2008 to 9038 cases in 2012 respectively. Whereas, with regard to persons arrested under dowry deaths are concerned, cumulatively 118274 persons have been arrested by the police and 61015 criminals have been arrested from all states and union-territories under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 over the period of five years. As it was believed that women's education and their employment would help in solving this problem but it is not so in reality. It is required that necessary amendments in the laws protecting women must be made from time to time and effective implementation machinery should be established by the government.