Question : Domestic Violence

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the findings of a recent survey conducted among 40,000 couples who got married between 1960 and 2008 that the incidents of domestic violence has increased leading to suicide of wife has increased and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the survey covering 17 States with 96% of India’s population also indicates high rate of such incidents in Kerala and if so, the details thereof; and

(c) whether there have been efforts by NGOs and Social refomers to banish the evil practice of dowry from matrimonial alliance and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
(SHRIMATI SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)

(a) & (b): The Ministry does not have information of such survey.

(c): The Government of India has enacted ''the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961'' under which giving, taking or demanding dowry is an offence. Dowry death and harassment for dowry is an offence under Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC). In addition, the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 also include unlawful demand for dowry within the purview of domestic violence.

‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.

Government of India conducts awareness generation programmes and publicity campaigns to raise public awareness and prevent the practice of dowry in India.

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