Supreme Court Decries Dowry as a Social Evil Undermining Marriage

The Supreme Court has expressed concerns over the institution of marriage being diminished to a commercial transaction due to dowry practices. The court canceled bail for a man accused of dowry-related murder, emphasizing that such cases erode societal values and necessitate firm judicial responses.

The Supreme Court criticized the dowry system as a social evil tarnishing the sanctity of marriage, calling it a cause of societal harm. The bench led by Justices B V Nagarathna and R Mahadevan declared that dowry deaths represent not only a crime against individuals but a grave social crime.

The court overturned the bail of a man accused of poisoning his wife for dowry, highlighting the high court's 'perverse' decision that overlooked crucial evidence and the nature of the offence. The justices described dowry demands as a violation of human dignity and systemic oppression of women.

The Supreme Court stressed the need for a firm judicial stance against dowry-related crimes, asserting that leniency could embolden perpetrators and undermine justice. The rise in dowry-death cases calls for strict scrutiny and enforcement of sections 304B and 498A of the IPC.

(With inputs from agencies.)