If you want a degree, you have to give an affidavit that the dowry will not be bought or given

 

If you want a degree, you have to give an affidavit that the dowry will not be bought or given

 It is true that the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961, the rules enacted in 1985 and the Domestic Violence Protection Act of 2005 have benefited to a very limited extent and the laws have often been in favor of the perpetrators. That is why Kozhikode, Kerala and MG Universities have decided to take affidavits from students. Dowry will not be bought, will not be given. Students may see it as a joke and sign it. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the dowry will be abolished. Not only the youth but also parents should sign such an affidavit. In the institutions we approach for various purposes, we usually sign some affidavits without even looking at them. This may become one of them. It is also said that those who enter the job at the university have to undergo disciplinary action if they demand a dowry.

Is it enough just at university? Would it be beneficial to increase the number of cases in the courts in future? Why can't the government issue a notification applying it to all  higher education institutions in the public and private sector, and the people appointed in  all government jobs? Can't the State Legislature recommend to the Center to scrape the old law of 1961 and bring in a strong law in line with present day needs? Or if the Government of Kerala has the power to do so, why not make a strong law that sets an example for other states?

The Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules of 2004 and the amendments introduced in 2021 are not effective. In addition to making it compulsory to register the marriage with the local authority, the inclusion of an affidavit giving details of gift given by the parents to the bride may also help in eliminating dowry disputes to some extent.