Open House: What reforms are needed to tackle the poor conviction rate in dowry death cases?

Weak enforcement emboldens offenders

Sixteen dowry deaths in five years with just one conviction highlight a grave failure of the justice system. Prolonged trials, poor investigations and weak enforcement embolden offenders and deny victims their rights. Mandatory FIRs, prompt forensic procedures and strictly time-bound hearings in fast track courts are essential. The police must face clear accountability measures for negligence or delay. Victims' families should receive legal assistance, protection from intimidation and timely financial support. Digital case tracking and regular public updates can curb manipulation and ensure progress is visible.

Vineet Gandhi, Chandigarh

Alternative family court for dowry cases

The poor conviction rate in dowry deaths is a very serious matter and should be dealt with on an urgent basis. Since there is too much pendency in the courts, an alternative family court should be set up to decide these cases on priority. The current conviction rate is a blot on our society. Women have suffered for a long time and for things to change, strict punishment should be given to set an example for others. Only then can we get rid of the heinous crimes.

Rakesh Sachdeva

A major shift in mindset required

The root of this problem lies in deep-seated cultural attitudes, not legal frameworks. Court-imposed punishments may offer momentary satisfaction, but they rarely address the emotional and societal damage. Ultimately, we must recognise that these problems are of our own making. By failing to act with sensitivity and foresight, we perpetuate injustice. It is time to shift our mindset, honor our daughters and make timely, compassionate decisions that uphold dignity for all.

Narinder Banwait, Chandigarh

More fast-track courts needed

Establishing fast-track courts dedicated for handling dowry cases can help expedite trials. Implementing witness protection programmes, establishing special counseling, legal aid and launching public awareness campaigns to educate people about the laws can also go a long way. The authorities need to take strict action against officials who fail to investigate dowry cases effectively. That will help ensure accountability.

Lakhwinder Wazir Bhullar

Shun patriarchal mindset

The first action that the society needs to take is to shun patriarchal mindset. Girls and boys should be treated equal and raised with similar value system. Secondly, the greed to extract benefits from the he girl side, should be treated with disdain, it deserves. Families of girls should not succumb to threats from boys' families. Finally, the police and law enforcement must be impartial and exploitation of any type should be curbed strictly.

Deepak Taak, Panchkula

Awareness the only solution

Dowry deaths are a very serious matter and must be given top priority by all. It is high time that public awareness is created about the dangers of dowry and its subsequent results of mental torture leading to deaths. Anti dowry laws to be modified to avoid harassment to victims and their families. At the same time public awareness must created to educate public on dowry deaths. Lastly educate public that women have equal rights and ar not dependent on name domination.

Col TBS Bedi (retd), Mohali

Set time frame to complete probe

The lingering of cases in the courts, negligible conviction and harassment of victims and their families have put a question mark on the judicial system. There must be fast-track courts to deliver justice to dowry victims. The investigation agencies must also be brought under time frame to complete the investigations. The cases remain pending for the years in the courts. Justice delayed leads to justice denied. The justice cannot bring back the daughters of parents killed by the dowry seekers but can put balm on their wounds.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd.), Mohali

Give special training to handle dowry cases

Dowry death cases expose deep flaws in the justice system, where delayed trials, weak investigations and routine compromises often deny women and their families true justice. To break the cycle of impunity, urgent reforms are required. Fast-track courts dedicated to crimes against women should ensure timely disposal of such cases, while strict timelines for investigation must be enforced. Police officers need specialised training to handle dowry-related offences with sensitivity and professionalism, backed by accountability mechanisms for negligence or bias.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh

Institutional reforms can be helpful

Enforcing gender-based violence laws to cover emerging issues like cyberstalking and cyber harassment, promoting legal literacy, especially in marginalised communities and improving access to legal aid is key. For institutional reforms, promoting judicial diversity by appointing more women to the judiciary, conducting gender sensitisation programs emphasising respectful language, non-discrimination and victim-centred approaches, establishing fast-track courts to prevent lengthy delays and strengthening support services like counselling services, childcare facilities, etc. can be useful.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Monitor progress of dowry death cases

The justice system is failing women in dowry death cases-delayed trials, shoddy investigations, and routine compromises breed a climate of impunity where perpetrators evade accountability. Urgent reforms must include establishing dedicated fast-track courts for dowry crimes, mandatory time-bound investigations with strict penalties for non-compliance, independent monitoring of police performance and strict action against attempts at forced compromises or extra-legal settlements.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Negligence in probe should be punished

Specialised police units for dowry cases, dedicated dowry courts statutory timelines, free legal aid, ban on compromise settlements, strengthening of laws, stricter punishment for negligence in investigation are essentials steps. Besides, awareness campaigns against dowry, encourage local bodies, women's groups and NGOs to monitor and report dowry harassment can also help.

Krishan Kumar

Improve Witness protection measures

Dedicated fast-track courts for crimes against women can ensure time-bound trials. Investigators must be better trained to handle sensitive cases and collect evidence effectively. Witness protection programmes are essential to prevent intimidation and secure testimonies. Officials who fail in their duty must face strict accountability. Equally vital is a change in social attitudes. Awareness campaigns and community action can challenge the persistence of dowry practices. The state must demonstrate zero tolerance for such crimes.

Kumud Sachdeva, Dera Bassi

Convicts should get life imprisonment

To break this cycle of impunity, the administration should take necessary steps. There should be need to create awareness among women about their legal rights. The punishment for dowry death under Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provide rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than seven years, which can extend up to life imprisonment.

Adish Sood, Amloh

Set up Special investigation cells

Dowry deaths have become a social menace. With equal participation and contribution of women towards the development of the economy, the status of women should

be at par with men. Yet due to societal customs and beliefs dowry is a reality till date.

Due to social pressure, many dowry deaths remain unreported. Mass media campaigns can be started against this scourge. Special investigation cells can be set up in the police stations to investigate these cases. Fast track courts can help here with timely hearing and time bound verdict on the offenders.

Rajeev Kumar, Chandigarh

Timely action is of essence

The recent rise in dowry-related cases in Chandigarh underscores a grim reality - despite strong laws, justice for victims remains painfully slow and uncertain. Urgent reforms are needed to restore faith in the system. First, investigations into dowry harassment and deaths must be time-bound, led by specially trained units equipped to collect forensic and digital evidence without delay. Besides, fast-track courts should be mandated to handle such cases exclusively, ensuring trials are concluded within months, not years.

Brigadier Advitya Madan, Chandigarh

victim-support mechanisms needed

Fast-track courts for crimes against women must become the norm, not the exception. Second, police need specialised training to handle dowry-related violence with sensitivity and rigor, ensuring evidence is secured properly. Third, witness protection and victim-support mechanisms must be strengthened so that families are not pressured into silence or compromise. Finally, strict accountability for investigative and prosecutorial failures is necessary. Without systemic reform, impunity will continue, and women's lives will remain at risk.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali