Dowry Harassment & Domestic | Supreme Court Issues Directions For Strict Enforcement & Speed…

This matter concerns the implementation of directions issued by the Supreme Court to address systemic delays and ineffective enforcement in dowry-related cases (Sections 304-B and 498-A IPC / Sections 80 and 85 BNS) and under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The Court issued detailed operational guidelines for States, High Courts, and law enforcement to ensure speedy trials, awareness, and institutional support.

Petitioner: State of Uttar Pradesh; Respondents: Ajmal Beg and others; Bench: Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Augustine George Masih.

• Directed States and Union Territories to strengthen institutional support mechanisms including One Stop Centres, helplines, and victim assistance.
• Ordered States to ensure the effective functioning and public dissemination of contact details for Dowry Prohibition Officers.
• Directed all Courts to treat cases under Sections 304-B and 498-A IPC (or Sections 80 and 85 BNS) as priority cases for expeditious disposal.
• Mandated Trial Courts to frame charges within 60-90 days of the charge-sheet and record evidence on a continuous basis.
• Required High Courts to integrate digital dashboards and automated alerts for tracking pendency of these specific cases.
• Directed States and High Courts to conduct periodic training and sensitization for judicial officers, police, and prosecutors.
• Ordered High Courts and States to file compliance reports on the 15th of January, May, and September.
• Listed the matter for the next hearing on 15th October, 2026.

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