Question : DOWRY DEATHS

(a) whether cases of dowry deaths are on the rise in the country;

(b) if so, the total number of such cases registered during each of the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(c) the total number of accused persons arrested and the action taken against them during the said period, State-wise;

(d) whether any stringent steps are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in future including implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI AJAY MAKEN)

(a) to (c): A total of 8093, 8172 and 8383 cases of dowry death (Section 304B IPC) where registered during 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. The State/UT-wise details of cases registered, persons arrested and convicted under dowry death (Section 304B IPC) during 2007-2009 are enclosed at Annexure.

(d) to (f): As per Seventh Schedule, ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ being State subjects under the Constitution, the primary responsibility of prevention, detection, registration, investigation and prosecution of crimes, including crimes against women, lies with the State Governments. However, the Union Government attaches highest importance to the matter of prevention of crime against women, including crime of dowry death, and has enacted important legislations such as Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 to provide protection to women. Government of India has been advising all the State Governments/UT Administrations from time to time to give more focused attention to the administration of criminal justice system with emphasis on prevention and control of crime against women. In this regard, a detailed advisory dated 4th September, 2009 (available at website mha.nic.in) has been sent to all States/UT Governments wherein States have been advised to make comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the machinery in tackling the problem of violence against women, and to take appropriate measures aimed at increasing the responsiveness of the law and order machinery. The comprehensive advisory has enumerated various steps for improving effectiveness of the machinery in tackling atrocities against women including dowry deaths (Point xxv and xxvi of the advisory).