SC tightens dowry enforcement, targets 'gifts' disguise

• Supreme Court issued new directives to curb dowry, noting it persists as "gifts" and existing laws are ineffective.
• The court emphasized dowry's link to harassment, cruelty, and deaths, calling its eradication an urgent necessity.
• Directives include appointing and empowering Dowry Prohibition Officers and sensitizing police/judicial officers.
• SC mandated grassroots awareness programs and incorporating gender equality into educational curricula.
• High courts were requested to review and expedite cases under IPC Sections 304B (dowry deaths) and 498A (cruelty).

Why It Matters: Supreme Court issues new directives to combat dowry, protecting women.