Explain why no Regional Dowry Prohibition Officer has been appointed since 2017: Kerala High Court to State government

The Kerala High Court, on Friday, sought the response of the State government regarding the steps taken by it from the year 2004 for the effective implementation of the Dowry Prohibition Act (Dr. Indira Rajan Vs. State of Kerala). .The Court also asked the State to explain the reasons for non-appointment of Regional Dowry Prohibition Officers as required by Rule 3 of Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2004"Government Pleader, who takes notice on behalf of respondents 2 to 7, is directed to get instructions from the respondents as to the steps taken by the Government from 2004 onwards in the abovesaid matter. Also directed to explain the reason for the non appointment of Regional Dowry Prohibition Officers," the Court directed. A Division Bench Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly stated that "we are of the view that implementation of Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the rules framed thereunder is a matter, to be seriously looked into".The order was passed on a public interest litigation, filed by Dr. Indira Rajan through advocate Peeyus A Kottam, seeking directions to implement the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in letter and spirit so as to eradicate the menace from the society..Kottam pointed out that even though dowry deaths are reported constantly, no person has been appointed to the post of Regional Dowry Prohibition Officer in the State of Kerala since 2017.He, therefore, sought directions for the appointment of Regional Dowry Prohibition Officer and Advisory Board as per the provisions of Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2004.The petitioner also challenged Rule 6 (vi) of Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2004. It was submitted that this Rule stipulates that the approach of Regional Dowry Prohibition Officer shall be primarily preventive and remedial and prosecution shall be recommended or resorted to only if all other measures and directions are found ineffective or when parties failed to comply with the orders or directions within the stipulated time.This effectively sends a message to the Dowry Prohibition Officer that their role is to just be a mute spectator even if a crime is detected under Section 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, the plea said. "This mild approach of the Government against the culprits is preparing a fertilized land for the greedy bridegroom and his family members to exploit innocent women and extract whatever she has and later compel her to commit suicide," the petition stated. .Further, it was pointed out that in a lot of cases pending before family courts in Kerala, the cardinal controversial question is about the quantum of amount, ornaments or gifts, given at the time of marriage or in connection with marriage, to the bride. Therefore, it was also suggested that the Court may direct the Chief Registrar of Marriages (Common) to insist all the Registrars of Marriages (Local), to obtain a list of presents including money, which are given in connection with marriage..The Court expressed that this is a matter that needs to be seriously looked into and directed the State to file a response regarding steps taken by the Government from 2004 in this matter. Pertinently, it also directed the state to explain the reason for the non appointment of Regional Dowry Prohibition Officers..The State was given three weeks' time to respond. The case will be heard again after that..This petition comes in the backdrop of death of Vismaya, 24-year-old Ayurveda Medical student, which had sparked outrage across Kerala and renewed the discussion on prevalence of dowry related harassment, abuse and death in the State. .[Vismaya Dowry Death] Husband Kiran Kumar denied bail by Kerala court.Vismaya was found dead in her husband's house just days after she had sent images of her bruised body and voice messages on mobile phone talking about the abuse she was suffering at the hands of her husband over dowry related issues. The case is now being looked into as a potential homicide and her husband was denied bail by Sasthamcotta Judicial First Class Magistrate in Kollam, Kerala on Tuesday..[Read Order]