Date:05/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/05/stories/2008050553970400.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Stringent law sought to deal with bigamy

HYDERABAD: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ch.Vidyasagar Rao on Sunday wanted the government to promulgate an ordinance amending Section 198 of CrPC to enable stringent action against those resorting to bigamy.

At a press conference here, he said that a Division Bench of the State High Court had also suggested suitable amendment to 198 of CrPC in the wake of the amendment to sections 494, 495 and 496 of IPC making bigamy a cognizable and non-bailable offence. He said the law enacted by Parliament (Section 198 of CrPC) prevailed even though the State had amended the sections dealing with bigamy.

Mr. Rao said amending Section 198 of CrPC would remove the feeling of insecurity among women victims of bigamy, as they would not be required to file a private complaint.

It would allow police to immediately book cases against offenders. He demanded legal aid to women fighting bigamy cases.

He wanted the government to constitute a high-level committee to suggest measures for preventing atrocities against women.