Topic Of The Day:-“Gradual dilution”
Following this, the first attempt to dilute Section 498A came from a 2014 judgment of the Supreme Court which mandated a nine-point checklist before any arrests could be made under Section 498A. Then followed the latest Supreme Court judgment which has almost irretrievably diluted 498A and rendered it nearly unreachable to victims. This judgment mandates a family welfare committee in every district to scrutinise dowry harassment cases. Members of this committee can be social workers or “anyone interested in the subject” and may also be paid an honorarium. The police are expected to consider the recommendations of this committee before making any arrest. It is not difficult to predict how such committees will operate in our male-dominated districts. The Supreme Court has also done away with the need for the accused to make a personal appearance in court in addition to other forms of relief. Sadly, the victim remains ignored in the judgment. As a result of theseconstraints, thousands of genuinely distressed women will not be able to access justice. Women victims, it would appear, become victims only if they die. While still alive, getting justice is a Sisyphean impossibility.
MEANINGS AND WORDS
1) Irretrievably
Meaning: In a way that cannot be retrieved or put right.
Example: Trillions of dollars were irretrievably lost.
2) Scrutinise
Meaning: Examine or inspect closely and thoroughly.
Example: Customers were warned to scrutinize the small print.
Synonyms: Examine carefully, Inspect
Antonyms: Glance at
3) Constraints
Meaning: A limitation or restriction; stiffness of manner and inhibition in relations between people.
Example: Time constraints make it impossible to do everything.
Synonyms: Restriction, Limitation and uneasiness
Antonyms: Openness
