rden of proof of innocence is on the accused. The crime is punishable by seven years to life in prison.
Including charges of dowry demands in cases of domestic abuses is now widespread as a way for women to obtain justice against abusive husbands (Kishwar, 2003, 114-115). It is even encouraged by may police and lawyers. In these cases, the husband, and often other relatives, including the elderly, are jailed before even a trial is held. Police are known to extract bribes from family members so a husband can avoid arrest, and demand bribes to allow bail. In divorce cases, excessive demands of dowry returns are often sought. However, if a husband or his family members spend a day in jail, they become so paranoid the husband files for divorce, and the wife may end up with a divorce she really does not want because of her excessive demands, prompted by her lawyer. Many wives end up dropping criminal cases and settling for a civil case because
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