Kerala Government Launches Dowry Prohibition Portal, High Court Seeks Centre’s Reply on PIL

The Kerala High Court was informed that the State Women and Child Development (WCD) department has launched an online portal where aggrieved persons can directly file dowry-related complaints before the Court.

The government is preparing a standard operating procedure to address cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act.

This follows a PIL challenging the constitutionality of Section 3, which penalises both giving and taking dowry, potentially deterring victims from reporting harassment.

The government has appointed district-level dowry prohibition officers, with the WCD Director as the Chief Coordinator. The Court adjourned the case to September 16 to allow the Union government more time to file a counter-affidavit.