Law Commission's effort to make 498A IPC bailable
The Law Commission of India has released a consultation paper to explore the public opinion regarding the strict provisions of the anti-dowry law. The Commission plans to bring about changes in Section 498A of the IPC and make dowry offences bailable. This has come in the face of the complaints lodged by varied sections of the society regarding the misuse of dowry laws and the observations made by the Supreme Court of India and the various High Courts.
The issue being slightly controversial, the Law Commission has decided to use the opinions of the general public, NGOs and Bar Councils prior to submitting the report.
Presently, Section 498A allows the police to take the accused into custody even without investigation. Furthermore, the section does not include any provision for compromise between the disputing parties.