The Law Commission has recommended the dilution of anti-dowry law to make it less stringent. The recommendation would allow the woman involved in the case to withdraw it with the permission of the court provided she is not under any pressure.

The Commission, headed by Justice P V Reddi, has recommended to the government to make Section 498-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with harassment for dowry and cruelty to a woman in her matrimonial home, a compoundable offence.

Compoundable offences are those which can be compromised by the parties to the dispute. The permission of the court is not necessary. This means that those who would be booked in cases under this section would find it easier to get bail.