§3
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Giving or taking dowry: minimum 5 years in prison, plus a fine of ₹15,000 or the dowry's value, whichever is more.
01
Groom's Qualification
Higher the degree, higher the demand. Apparently.
02
Profession
A government job is treated as a lottery ticket.
03
Annual Income
CTC, package, "in-hand" - call it what you like.
04
City Tier
Where the family lives changes the "rate."
05
"Family Status" - ख़ानदान
The most ridiculous variable. Yet very real.
The actual reality
Whatever the calculator shows,
the only legal answer is zero.
§4
Mere Demand is Punishable
Even asking, without a single rupee changing hands, is punishable by 6 months to 2 years in prison.
§80
BNS - Dowry Death
If a woman dies under suspicious circumstances within 7 years of marriage and dowry harassment is proven, that's 7 years to life. Replaced IPC §304B.
§85
BNS - Cruelty
Cruelty by a husband or his relatives, including any harassment over dowry, carries up to 3 years in prison. Replaced IPC §498A.
If you, or someone you know, is being harassed for dowry:
The District Dowry Prohibition Officer in your area is legally required to take your complaint. You don't need to know which section. Just walk in and report it.