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What can a woman do if her in-laws harass her for dowry?

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If calculated based on India’s adult female population (Census 2011), it is found that Women are still victims of discrimination in our society. They have to face physical and mental violence inside their homes. The Dowry Act (498A) and the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act have been enacted to protect women from such atrocities and get them justice. However, sometimes cases of misuse of 498A also come to the fore.

How do properly use these two laws made for the interests of women?

In Favor of Women…

Justice Shakdher, while delivering the verdict, said that ‘as far as I am concerned, the exception Section 498-A (Dowry Act) was included in the IPC in 1986 to protect a woman from harassment by her husband or any other member of the in-laws for dowry. If a woman is physically, mentally, financially, or emotionally harassed for dowry, she can file a case under the Dowry Act. Along with harassment for dowry cruelty, breach of trust has also been included in this. This is a serious and non-bailable offense.

When can I file a case?

If the woman is harassed for dowry such cruelty can cause mental and physical harm to a woman. A case can be filed under this law for the demand of dowry before marriage, during, or after marriage.

Where to complain

Apart from Crime Against Women Cell, complaints can be made by calling the 100 number or the women helpline number 1091 at any time (seven days round the clock) or in the police station in your area. Apart from Nanak Pura in Delhi, every district also has a separate Crime Against Women cell. According to the guidelines of the Supreme Court, the desks of the Delhi Legal Service Authority, National Commission for Women, NGOs, etc. are the part of Crime Against Women Cell. At the same time, the police officers of the Women’s Cell, especially the women officers, should listen to the victim with full interest and patience so that she can speak openly. After receiving the complaint, the police call the husband before registering the case. But if the husband does not want a settlement, nor does he want to negotiate, then the CWC cannot pressurize him to appear. If both the parties agree, the CWC tries to settle them. In cases where the woman or her family members do not wish to part ways, the mediation of the police is done. If the matter is not resolved then a case is registered against the husband and his family members.

Court: In many cases, the effort of the court is also conciliation. If the court failed in its efforts, then the priority is given to a peaceful separation. If the case is not made then the whole court process begins.

Keep evidence

  • Do not remain silent when harassed by your husband or in-laws. You will be tormented as much as you want to endure
  • Report the harassment and the whole matter to your parents, family members, friends, etc. Reach out to your family, friends, or relatives through a letter, e-mail, or SMS. Do not delete such e-mails or SMS.
  • If you cannot contact them, then inform the in-laws’ neighbors about the atrocities being committed against you.
  • Contact the police if necessary. Don’t think at all that it will break your relationship because if you don’t take a step then your silence can be fatal.
  • Also, keep a receipt for the money spent on your wedding.
  • Keep the women helpline number 1091 on speed dial on your mobile. Call immediately in case of trouble.
  • If the husband is hitting or beating the wife, then the wife should go to the government hospital and get the medical done and keep the report with her.

Crime Against Women Cell- Addresses and Phone numbers

  1. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell (Headquarters),

Nanak Pura, Near Moti Bagh Gurdwara, New Delhi-110021

Phone No.: 2467-3366, 2412-1234

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

South-West District, Police Station Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110067

Phone No.: 2614-0186, 2615-2810, X-7203, 7299

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

South District Police Post, Amar Colony, Lajpat Nagar-4, New Delhi-110024

Phone No.: 2648-2871, 2685-2588, X-4411

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

West District Police Post, Kirti Nagar, New Delhi-110005

Phone No.: 2591-5314, 2544-7100, 2592-6101, X-4240

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell (Headquarters),

North District Police Post, Sarai Rohilla, Delhi-110055

Phone No.: 2396-2201, X-6411, 6642

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

North-West District, Old Building, Prashant Vihar, Delhi-110085

Phone No.: 2756-6476, 2732-3566

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell, Central District, New Rajendra Nagar, New Delhi-110060,

Phone No.: 2573-7951, 2874-3369, X-7436

  • Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

 North-East District, Police Station Seelampur, Delhi-110053

Phone No.: 2256-4166

  • –Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

East District, Krishna Nagar, Delhi-110051

Phone No.: 2209-195010.

–Assistant Commissioner of Police, Crime Against Women Cell,

New Delhi District, Parliament Street, New Delhi – 110001

Phone No.: 2336 1231, X-3410, 3447

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