Question : MISUSE OF SECTION 498-A OF IPC

(a) whether section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) regarding demand for dowry is being abused at large by the bride/ parents of the bride;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of such cases reported and husbands reported to have committed suicides due to misuse of section 498-A of IPC by the bride /parents of the bride and the action taken against the accused during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) whether the Union Government has received any demand/representation from various quarters of the society to make changes in the above section or to abolish the same in view of its misuse; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI MULLAPPALLY RAMACHANDRAN)

(a) to (d): Representations have been received in the Ministry of Home Affairs from various non-governmental organizations as well as individuals regarding misuse of Section 498A of IPC. They have suggested amendment to Section 498A of IPC.

National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has informed that they do not maintain data on husbands who have committed suicide due to misuse of Section 498A of IPC. However, State/UT – wise details of Male suicides, as provided by NCRB, due to dowry dispute and divorce during the year 2007, 2008 and 2009 are annexed.