Supreme Court directs 60-90 day timelines for dowry, cruelty cases; bars unnecessary adjournments
The Supreme Court Division Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and Augustine George Masih has issued directions to expedite trials in cases involving dowry-related offences and cruelty. The order, dated 15 December 2025, mandates that charges be framed within 60-90 days and prohibits unnecessary adjournments.
The Court noted the "oscillation between ineffectiveness and misuse" of Section 498-A of the IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. It directed states and union territories to strengthen institutional support mechanisms including One Stop Centres, Family Counselling Centres, Women Help Desks, and victim assistance programmes.
The bench emphasized that dowry remains a "rampant prevailing menace" and called for concentrated efforts by the legislature, law enforcement, judiciary, and civil society to eradicate it effectively.
