Following High Court directive, Kerala govt declares November 26 as Dowry Prohibition Day

LE Staff

Kochi, July 26, 2021: Responding to the instructions of a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court comprising Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly on effective implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, the Kerala government declared that it will observe November 26 as Dowry Prohibition Day in the state.

The directions were issued in the backdrop of increasing reports and prevalence of dowry related harassment, abuse and deaths that became a subject of discussion in Kerala after the death of a 24-year-old Ayurveda Medical student named Vismaya who was allegedly killed by her husband after prolonged dowry-related abuse. 

The victim was found hanging in her husband’s home, which led to investigation on account of a possible homicide and her husband was recently denied bail in the matter.

The Kerala Women’s Commission also took up the incident suo motu and sought a report from the police. 

The government issued a Circular on July 16 and ordered all HODs of PSUs, autonomous bodies, cultural and other institutions under the government to obtain a declaration from all male government servants within one month from the wedding of such person that they had not taken any dowry in connection with their marriage.

The Heads of Departments concerned were directed to furnish a report on these declarations bi-annually to the respective District Dowry Prohibition Officer, who shall submit a report if such declaration is not furnished within the stipulated time. 

The Circular was issued by the State by exercising the powers vested u/s 10 of the Dowry Prohibition Act and Kerala Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Rules 2021. 

The State Government also declared that the District Women and Child Development Officer shall function as the District Dowry Prohibition Officer in every District by utilising the service of the staff attached to that office. 

Further, the Director of Women and Child Development Department shall act as the Chief Dowry Prohibition Officer for administrating and coordinating the work relating to dowry prohibition throughout the state. 

The Kerala High Court earlier on July 9 had issued notice to the State government on a writ petition seeking amendments and strict implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice S Manikumar had asked the government why the Act were not being implemented strictly, and why there was no appointment made to the posts of Dowry Prohibition Officers though dowry deaths were being reported frequently, news agency PTI had reported.

The petition, filed by Indira Rajan, the CEO of the Vikram Sarabhai Science Foundation, had sought a direction to all government servants to furnish a declaration that they have not taken any dowry.