JEMTEC

Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, often referred to as "the Anti-Cruelty Statute" has broadens the prohibitions laid out in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and expands its coverage to other acts of cruelty, threats, or violence related to dowry demands. Section 498 A IPC has been introduced in the statute in 1983 to protect the constitutional rights of liberty, dignity and equal respect for women who are deprived of their rights due to several social and cultural factors. Section 498A, IPC a substantive offence of cruelty by husband, in-laws and relatives of a married woman, is in debate due to various factors including its misuse by women. It has been noticed in many judgments of the Apex Court that many false cases are being filed against in -laws and relatives who have no connection with the crime. In most of these cases, women lodges FIR against the husband or his relatives due to a sudden emotional upheaval. Mostly complaints under s.498A are being filed with an