Ministry of External Affairs & Women and Child Development have prepared a proposal to apprehend grooms who deceive upon Indian women by fleeing abroad beyond the limit of law. The authorities are not alone making change in Code of Criminal Procedure but as well in the passport laws.
According to sources, this is being done to put a check on swindle bridegrooms. Bringing such people to the legal ambit is the only solution to the problem. However, the government is also working on other options like spreading awareness and providing information about other safeguards. There has been a major policy shift in the approach of the government.
It further stated, the proposal has this line that if summons put up on the website of External Affairs ministry it will be considered as received. Three such notices will be put and if still the concerned person does not appear before the law he will be declared absconding. As per the proposal there is a provision of confiscating passport. However, this cannot be taken further unless there is a consensus on it. Once there is an unanimity, this will be sent to cabinet and then will have to be passed from Parliament.
“A meeting of the officials from law ministry, external affairs & Women and Child Development ministry took place on May 7 and the government approach is changing as they feel that change in law is not the only solution to deal with swindling Non- Resident Indian husbands. The focus of the government is not just change in approach but some other options are also being explored,” said the senior government official.
He further said, “The issue prevails when NRI groom marries in India and disappears with the dowry money leaving his spouse. If people are aware and enquire about such people before entering into matrimony they could be saved from being cheated. If any girl is in such a trap she can be helped under the present law.”
By Sowmya Sangam
