No automatic arrest of men, kin in dowry cases

Hyderabad: The AP police brass has issued orders to all station house officers asking them not to arrest men involved in dowry cases and their relatives automatically. In case of arrest the SP has to be told about the reasons for it.

Andhra Pradesh DGP J.V. Ramudu has issued instructions as per the July 2 SC order on this. Implementation of the order has already begun in districts like Guntur Rural. Officials who fail to implement the orders will face departmental action and also action under contempt rules.

Outgoing Guntur Rural SP J. Satyanaryana said, “We have asked station house officers to implement Supreme Court orders in all Section 498A cases.” The Telangana police has also decided to implement the SC order. DGP Anurag Sharma said, “I will ask the CID to issue orders regarding this.”

As per the circular issued by Guntur Rural SP police should not automatically arrest men when a Section 498A case is registered. They have to satisfy themselves about the need for arrest as per norms laid down in Section 41 of the CrPC.

The police will have to furnish reasons behind the arrest while producing the accused in court. The decision not to arrest an accused will be forwarded to the magistrate within two weeks from the date of FIR with a copy to the SP. Notice of appearance served to the accused within two weeks of the FIR will also be communicated to the SPs.