This law was made to ban the practice of giving or taking dowry during marriage. A dowry includes money, property, or gifts demanded by the groom or his family from the bride's side before, during, or after marriage.
Key Highlights:
- Giving, taking, or even demanding dowry is illegal.
- A dowry includes cash, jewellery, cars, land, or any valuable gifts demanded by the groom's family.
- Punishment: Taking or giving dowry can lead to jail for 5 years and a fine of ₹15,000 or more.
- If a woman is harassed or harmed for dowry, it is a criminal offense, and her complaint can lead to arrest.
- Dowry death (woman dying due to harassment or cruelty within 7 years of marriage) is treated very seriously under law.
- Applies to all Indian citizens regardless of religion or caste.
Purpose:
To protect women from being treated as a financial burden, stop harassment after marriage, and promote equality and dignity in marriage.
FAQs – Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Q. What is considered as dowry?
A. Any money, gifts, property, or valuable items demanded or given in relation to marriage.
Q. Is dowry giving also a crime or just taking?
A. Both giving and taking dowry are illegal under this act.
Q. What if the gift is given voluntarily by the bride’s family?
A. Voluntary gifts are allowed only if they’re not demanded and are listed officially.
Q. Can a woman file a case if her in-laws keep demanding money after marriage?
A. Yes, such demand is illegal and can be punished.
Q. What is the punishment for giving or taking dowry?
A. Jail for up to 5 years and a fine of ₹15,000 or the value of the dowry, whichever is more.
Q. Does this law apply to all religions?
A. Yes, it applies to all Indian citizens regardless of religion or caste.
Q. What is “dowry death”?
A. When a woman dies due to cruelty or harassment over dowry within 7 years of marriage.
Q. What is the punishment for dowry death?
A. Minimum 7 years to life imprisonment under IPC Section 304B/Section 80 BNS.
Q. Can dowry-related complaints be made anonymously?
A. No, but the woman or her family can directly file a complaint with the police or magistrate.
Q. Can the groom’s family be arrested immediately after a complaint?
A. Yes, dowry is a non-bailable offense, and arrest is possible without prior permission.
Q. What evidence is needed in a dowry case?
A. Messages, calls, witness statements, recorded threats, or any demand proofs help.
Q. Can a complaint be filed years after marriage?
A. Yes, especially if the harassment is ongoing or recent.
Q. Who can file a complaint under the Dowry Act?
A. The woman, her parents, relatives, or even neighbors.
Q. Can dowry complaints be misused?
A. Yes, and courts do look into false complaints. But genuine victims are protected.
Q. Is gifting at weddings completely banned?
A. No. Gifting is allowed if it's voluntary and not a demand.
Q. Does the Act apply to live-in relationships?
A. No, it only applies to legally recognized marriages.
Q. What can a bride do if her husband threatens divorce over dowry?
A. She can file a dowry harassment and domestic violence case.
Q. Can the dowry items be recovered by the bride?
A. Yes, she can claim back all her stridhan (her property given at marriage).
Q. Can settlement be done in dowry cases?
A. While courts allow compromise in some cases, serious offences are non-compoundable.
Q. Where can one file a dowry complaint?
A. At the nearest police station, women’s cell, or directly in court.
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