Dowry Laws in India,
Plainly Explained.

§ 2: Definition

What Is "Dowry"?

The Act defines dowry as any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given directly or indirectly by one party to a marriage, or by the parents of either party, or by any other person, at or before or after the marriage, in connection with the marriage.

This covers cash, gold, land, vehicles, household appliances, and any other valuable consideration. It does not cover gifts voluntarily given to the bride (stridhan).

§ 3: The Core Prohibition

Giving or Taking Dowry

If any person gives, takes, or abets the giving or taking of dowry, they shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, and with a fine which shall not be less than ₹15,000 or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more.

§ 4: Demand Alone is Punishable

Demanding Dowry

If any person demands, directly or indirectly, from the parents or other relatives of a bride or bridegroom any dowry, that person shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend to two years, and with a fine which may extend to ₹10,000.

No money needs to change hands. The demand alone is a criminal offence.

§ 4A: Wedding Advertisements

Advertising for Dowry is Illegal

No person shall print, publish, or circulate any advertisement that offers any share in a business or property or money as a consideration for the marriage of a son or daughter or any other relative. Violation carries up to 1 year's imprisonment or a fine up to ₹15,000, or both.

§ 6: Stridhan Protection

Dowry Must Be Transferred to the Wife

If any dowry is received by any person other than the woman (her husband or his relatives), it must be transferred to the woman within three months of the marriage. If the woman is minor, it must be transferred to her after she turns 18. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

BNS § 85: Replaces IPC § 498A

Cruelty by Husband or His Relatives

Whoever, being the husband or a relative of the husband of a woman, subjects her to cruelty shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine.

"Cruelty" means: (a) wilful conduct likely to drive the woman to suicide or to cause grave injury or danger to her life, limb, or health; or (b) harassment with a view to coercing her or her relatives to meet any unlawful demand for any property or valuable security.

BNS § 80: Replaces IPC § 304B

Dowry Death

Where the death of a woman is caused by burns, bodily injury, or occurs under suspicious circumstances within seven years of marriage, and it is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives in connection with any demand for dowry, such death shall be called a "dowry death."

The husband or relatives shall be deemed to have caused her death. The minimum sentence is seven years; the maximum is life imprisonment.

BNS § 84: Replaces IPC § 113B

Presumption of Dowry Death

When the question is whether a person has committed the dowry death of a woman, and it is shown that soon before her death such woman had been subjected to cruelty or harassment for dowry, the court shall presume that such person had caused the dowry death.

The burden shifts to the accused to prove innocence once proximity to harassment is established.