SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

Before:- Dr. A.S. Anand, CJI, K. Venkataswami and M. Srinivasan, JJ.

Writ Petn. (Civil) No. 499 of 1997. D/d. 17.9.1999.

In Re : E and I of Dowry Prohibition Act 61 - Petitioner

Versus

Union of India and others - Respondents

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Section 10 - Framing of Rules - Rules could not be framed by some State - Time granted.

[Paras 3 and 4]

ORDER

Rules have not so far been framed under Section 10 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 by the States/U.Ts. of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Manipur, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Karnataka, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

2. Rules have been framed and are awaiting approval of the competent authority insofar as the States of Mizoram, Meghalaya and Orissa are concerned.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the States where the rules have not been framed submit that on account of elections, steps could not be taken so far. They pray for eight weeks' time to file affidavits, indicating the status at which the exercise regarding framing of the Rules in their respective States is. We grant the time.

4. We are informed by learned Amicus Curiae that the States of Karnataka, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi have not constituted the Advisory Boards under the Act so far. Learned counsel appearing for these States submit that within eight weeks, they will file affidavits and indicate the status of the steps being taken for constitution of the Advisory Boards in their respective States.

5. List the matter after ten weeks.

Order accordingly.