Bengaluru techie death: PIL in Supreme Court seeks reform of dowry and domestic violence laws

The PIL seeks expert committee to review dowry laws after techie’s suicide, aiming to prevent misuse and abuse

In the aftermath of the 34-year-old techie's death in Bengaluru, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court has sought the appointment of an expert committee to review and reform the existing dowry and domestic violence laws to stop their misuse.

The PIL filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari sought the setting up of a committee comprising former Supreme Court Judges, lawyers, and legal Jurists to examine the existing dowry and domestic violence laws. The plea further sought a direction to record during the marriage registrations, the articles or gifts given.

It further sought the implementation of the Apex Court's observations in a 2010 case wherein it flagged the abuse of Section 498A of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)

Referring to the recent case, the plea said a time had come to review and reform the existing dowry laws and domestic violence act to stop its misuse and abuse. The plea therefore said lives of innocent men could be saved and the real purpose of the dowry laws won't be defeated.

Atul Subhash died by suicide at his home in Marathahalli on December 9. (2024) leaving behind a 24-page purported death note, detailing what he alleged was years-long emotional distress of marital issues; multiple cases filed against him, and harassment by his wife and relatives, and a Judge based in Uttar Pradesh.

Published - December 13, 2024 02:41 pm IST