In a report by The Wire, ” The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2019 reports that a majority (30.9%) of all the 4.05 lakh cases under crimes against women are registered under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The section deals with ‘cruelty by husband or his relatives.” several women have lost their lives on account of domestic violence. Domestic violence and architects are prevalent. It is all around us. We all know of some people to have at some point faced domestic violence, or have perpetrated it. How often have you looked away and done nothing because you didn’t know what to do? There should be awareness ram domestic violence. What are the laws that are in place in India address the issue of domestic violence?
There are three laws in India for domestic violence.
• The protection of women act, 2005: It is a civil law that protects women in a household. This does not mean that it is just a love that protects women who are married to men. It also protects women who having live-in relationships, and family members including mothers, grandmothers etcetera. Under this law, women can seek protection against domestic violence, financial compensation, the right to live in the shared household, and can get maintenance from their abuser in his their living apart. This is not criminal law. It is for protecting women from their abusers.
• The Dowry prohibition Act, 1961: It is a criminal law that punishes the taking and giving of dowry. If someone gives a takes diary under this law they can be sent to jail for six months or a fine of Rs. 5000. The court can decide to impose both punishments as well. This punishment also applies if someone is demanding dowry. This is applicable because, in several cases of domestic violence, we see that there is a demand for more dowry after the wedding.
• Section 498A of IPC: This is a criminal law that applies to husbands or relatives of husbands who were cruel to women at home. It means we conduct that drives a woman to suicide or causes grave injury. It also includes harassment in the name of dowry. For up to three years under this law.