Kerala High Court Hears PIL Challenging Penal Provision Against Dowry Givers Under Section 3

A PIL filed by a law graduate before the Kerala High Court challenges Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, arguing it unfairly penalises dowry givers, who are often victims acting under coercion. The petitioner claims this violates Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.

The Court is reviewing the third publication of quarterly dowry data under Rule 5 of the Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2004. The plea also flags poor enforcement of both the 1985 and 2004 Rules.

Referring to recent dowry-related deaths like that of Vismaya Nair, the petitioner seeks constitutional protection for givers rather than punishment.

[Tellmy Jolly v Union of India & ors]