5 Lakh people are arrested falsely and NCW says no to changing laws!

NCW against diluting dowry law provisions EW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has dug in its heels and ruled out any amendments in section 498A of the IPC.  Instead, the commission has issued advisories to states asking local police officials to arrest the accused husband and his relatives only after thorough investigation and counselling.  The move comes at a time when the law is under attack from certain organisations for its "misuse" and has even prompted the women and child development ministry to consider reviewing it.  In its advisory, the commission recommended that in all women-centric laws, including domestic violence, Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 and 498A, a cautious approach be taken.  "In case of complaints, a preliminary investigation must be conducted by the police and if necessary, counselling done to save the marriage," NCW chairperson Girija Vyas said. She also said crime against women had increased. Statistics recorded by NCW showed that harassment for dowry had increased from 1,556 cases in 2005 to 2,767 cases in 2007.  The commission has initiated a pilot project with the Delhi Police's crime against women cell by providing professionally trained counsellors for couples. The commission also reiterated its demand for amendments to the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961. It has suggested that the term giving or taking dowry "in connection with marriage" should be dropped as it was being interpreted in a very narrow sense.