Kochi: The Kerala government has informed the High Court that a dedicated online portal is already in place for registering dowry-related complaints. The submission was made in a counter affidavit filed in response to a PIL by a law graduate and public policy professional, who sought greater accountability in handling complaints under Rule 5 of the Kerala Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2004.

The affidavit, placed before the division bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, was submitted by the Director of the Women and Child Development Department, who is also the eighth respondent in the case. It stated that the government has taken measures to strengthen the enforcement of anti-dowry laws.

According to the State, the portal enables victims to submit complaints online, and a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Dowry Prohibition Act is being finalised for implementation. The affidavit further pointed out that, following the 2021 amendment to the Rules, District Women and Child Development Officers were designated as Dowry Prohibition Officers in all 14 districts, with the Director functioning as the Chief Dowry Prohibition Officer for the State.

The Court has directed the government to file an additional affidavit annexing data on the complaints received and the action taken under Rule 5. The case will be taken up again on September 16, 2025.
(With inputs from LiveLaw)

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