(a) whether even after implementation of Prevention of Dowry Act, 1961, the number of dowry deaths has not decreased;
(b) if so, whether the Government are aware that the provisions of Prevention of Dowry Act, 1961, provide no safeguards to the aggrieved party;
(c) if so, whether there is any proposal to amend the Act and the process associated with dowry; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE
DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI JASKAUR MEENA)
(a) As per the data compiled by the National Crime Records
Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dowry Deaths in the
country have shown an overall decline in the last five
years. The number of such incidents was 6975 in 1998, 6699
in 1999, 6995 in 2000, 6553 in 2001 and 6067 in 2002.
(b) As per the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, any person who
gives, takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry is
punishable by imprisonment for a period not less than five
years and by fine of not less than Rs.15,000/- or the amount
of the value of dowry, whichever is more.
(c)&(d) There is no immediate proposal to amend the Dowry
Prohibition Act, 1961. The taking/giving of dowry is still
construed to be an offence.