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The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Ritik Agrawal
- Mar 16
- 15 min read
Sushavan Das
Brainware University
I. Abstract
The Dowry Prohibition Act was enacted in India in 1961 to eliminate the entrenched social evil of dowry in society. The Act should prohibit its “giving and taking” process by properly establishing penalties for its violations and safeguarding women’s rights. Despite its gallant objectives, the Act confronts significant challenges in its enforcement and societal acceptance, as dowry-related offences pervade because of deep-rooted cultural norms and inadequate legal support. It mainly focuses on the provisions, amendments, and effectiveness of the Act, highlighting the key sections that define dowry. In addition, it imposes penalties and delineates procedural rules for the prosecution of offenders. It also considers various landmark cases that have persuaded the interpretation and application of the Act. This emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that intersects legal measures with societal change to combat the evolving nature of dowry practices in India.
II. Objectives
The main objectives of the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 were:
To prevent the process of giving and taking of “Dowry” by both the parties in our country.
To legally implement the definition of “Dowry” in order to derelict ambiguity in its interpretation.
To impose penalties for wrongdoers by establishing punishments for giving, taking, or demanding dowries to deter such practices.
To safeguard women’s rights from exploitation and abuse related to dowry demands.
To declare a void for rendering any agreement pertaining to giving and taking dowries
To ensure that the dowry benefits the bride in the connection, it was provided.
To establish procedures for prosecution by setting rules for the cognizance of offences and appointment of Dowry Prohibition Officers to enforce the law.
To create a legal framework for further legislation and rules to combat dowry systems effectively.
III. Chapters And Range
Important Dates:
This was Act No. 28 of 1961.
The Act was enacted on May 20, 1961.
It was implemented on July 01, 1961 (Notification No. S.O.1410, dated June 20, 1961).[1]
Key Amendments and Jurisdiction
● The Act was amended several times, notably in 1984 and 1986, to strengthen its provisions and to enhance penalties.
● Initially, Jammu and Kashmir were excluded, but they now extend to the whole of India after the 2019 amendment.[2]
Structure:
SL. NO. | CHAPTER NAME | SECTIONS COVERED |
1. | Short title, extent and commencement | 1 |
2. | Definition of “dowry” | 2 |
3. | Penalty for giving or taking dowry | 3 |
4. | Penalty for demanding dowry & ban on advertisement | 4 – 4A |
5. | Agreement for giving or taking dowry to be void | 5 |
6. | Dowry to be for the benefit of the wife or her heirs | 6 |
7. | Cognizance of offences | 7 |
8. | Offences to be cognizable for certain purposes and to be bailable and non-compoundable, burden of proof in certain cases & Dowry Prohibition Officers | 8 – 8B |
9. | Power to make rules | 9 |
10. | Power of the State Government to make rules | 10 |
The Act does not contain formal chapters, but comprises 10 sections covering various aspects of dowry prohibition.[3]
IV. Introduction
In our modern society, the social evil of “Dowry” is well ingrained. Heinous crimes include dowry-related offences, such as dowry deaths, dowry murders, dowry suicides, and dowry order offences. Discrimination begins with the birth of women. The greatest gift God has given to this humanity is “women.” She can determine what is unpleasant and what is upright or erroneous. Women bear children, are mothers and better halves, and look after household chores. They take care of their husband and child after marriage; however, they are largely debarred from their family status.
V. Concept of Dowry
“Dowry or Dahej is the price in coins or/and type using the bride's family members to the bridegroom’s circle of relations along with the free giving of the bride (known as Kanyadaan) in Indian marriage. Kanyadanam is a critical part of Hindu conjugal rites. Kanya refers to the daughter and Dana represents the present.
Dowry (Dahej/Hunda), as all of us recognize, is paid in cash or type by the bride’s circle of relatives to the groom’s circle of relatives, while giving away the bride (Kanya-dana). The Kanya-dana ritual is vital to Hindu marriages. Kanya means daughter, Dana means gift.”[4]
VI. Analysis of the Act
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, was enacted u/a. 246 of the Constitution of India, which confers “Parliament the power to make laws on matters in the Union List.” The Act aims to address the social evil of dowry, aligning with the constitutional principles of equality (Art. 14), the right to life and personal liberty (Art. 21).
Some major amendments have strengthened the Act by increasing penalties, making offenses non-bailable, and introducing new provisions, including:
The Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 1984
The Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 1986
Brief Analysis of Key Provisions
S. 2 – (Definition of Dowry)
● “Dowry” has been too broadly defined in this provision as “any property or valuable security” accompanying the marriage.
● For Muslim weddings, the word “Mahr” is not used.
● The term “dowry” has indeed been interpreted by courts to mean a wide range of dowry demands.
S. 3 – (Penalty for Giving or Taking of Dowry)
● It prescribes punishment (minimum 5 years of imprisonment and fine).
● It also permits certain customary gifts to be subjected to certain circumstances.
● It aims to deter both “givers and takers” of dowry, recognizing the complexities of both parties.
S. 4 – (Penalty for Demanding Dowry)
● Punishment for demanding dowry made through direct or indirect means.
● It has made a provision for punishment (minimum of 6 months imprisonment, extendable to 2 years, with fine).
● Courts have observed that the demand itself is punishable regardless of whether a dowry is actually given.
S. 4A – (Ban on Advertisement)
● It prohibits any form of advertisement that offers shares of property or money as a consideration for marriage.
● It also addresses the issue of commercialization of marriage.
S. 5 – (Agreement for Giving or Taking Dowry to be Void)
● In its broader interpretation, the courts ruled to invalidate any contract or agreement related to the dowry.
● This reaffirms that dowries are unlawful, because they nullify mutually agreeable plans.
● According to S. 23 of the Contract Act of 1872, “where agreements contrary to public policy are declared to be declared void ab initio,” this is in accordance with the main principles of contract law.
● This provision discourages practice at the most basic level by prohibiting parties from legally enforcing dowry arrangements.
S. 6 – (Dowry to be for the Benefit of the Wife or Her Heirs)
● It mandates the transfer of dowries to women within a specified time frame.
● It provides for transfers to heirs in the case of a woman’s death.
● Courts have emphasized strict compliance with this provision to protect women’s interests.
S. 7 – (Cognizance of Offences)
● It specifies which courts can try dowry offenses and who can file the complaints.
● It aims to make the legal process more accessible to victims.
S. 8 – (Offences to be Cognizable for Certain Purposes and to be Bailable and Non-compoundable)
● From a procedural perspective, this makes dowry offense serious crimes.
● Courts upheld a non-bailable nature to ensure a proper investigation.
S. 8A – (Burden of Proof in Certain Cases)
● This section shifts the “burden of proof” to the accused in cases of ‘taking, abetting the taking, or demanding dowry.’
● Courts have held that this reversal of the burden of proof is constitutional and necessary given the nature of dowry offenses.
● This is seen as a departure from the general principle of criminal law in which the burden is on prosecution.
● It aims to make the prosecution of dowry offenses easier, recognizing the challenges in proving such cases.
● In addition, it reflects legislative intent to treat dowry offenses.
S. 8B – (Dowry Prohibition Officers)
● It provides for the appointment of officers to prevent dowry practices and to collect evidence.
● This strengthened the enforcement mechanism of the Act.
S. 9 – (Power to Make Rules)
● This section empowers the Central Government to create rules for the purpose of the Act.
● It allows for rules to maintain lists of presents [related to S. 3(2)].
● It mandates that rules be laid before the parliament.
● It provides the flexibility to adapt to the implementation of the Act through subordinate legislation.
● Ensuring parliamentary oversight in rule making
S. 10 – (Power of the State Government to Make Rules)
● This section gives State Governments the authority to create rules for implementing the Act within their jurisdictions.
● This allows states to specify additional functions for Dowry Prohibition Officers.
● It requires rules to be laid before the State Legislature.
● It recognizes the need for state-specific measures to implement the Act.
● This allows for localized enforcement mechanisms.[5]
VII. General Law Interpretation
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
S. 80 (Dowry Death)
1) “Where the death of a woman is caused by any burn or bodily injury or occurs otherwise, then under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death shall be called “dowry death”, and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death.”
2) “Whoever commits Dowry death shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years, but which may extend to imprisonment for life. The offence of dowry death in S. 80 of the BNS does not fall into the category of offences for which the death penalty has been provided in Sanhita. Dowry death differs from a murder’s offense. The death of a bride may fall under both categories of offences, viz. Murder and Dowry death, in which case, a death sentence may be awarded for committing the offence of murder in cases depending upon the facts and circumstances of each case.”[6]
S. 85 (Husband or Relative of Husband of a Woman Subjecting Her to Cruelty)
“Cruelty is enumerated u/s. 85 in the BNS. This may be because this definition allows for a wide interpretation and can be seen as an easy opportunity. The burden of the requirement of proof must be imposed on the party that allows only certain cases to be accepted. Since the number of cases accepted into courts is the reason for ineffectiveness, permitting an allowance for bailable, cognizable cases that are compoundable with permission from courts. In this section, there should also be punishment for parties in cases of proven misuse. In the 237th Law Commission Report, it was planned to add Subsection (2A) to S. 320 CrPC. The future condition will ensure that the offer to compound the offence is voluntary and free from pressure, and that the wife has not been subjected to ill treatment after the offer of compounding. Incidentally, it underscores the need for the court to play an active role in dealing with the application of a compounding offence u/s. 85 BNS.”[7]
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
S. 117 (Presumption as to Abetment of Suicide by a Married Woman)
“When the question is whether the commission of suicide by a woman had been abetted by her husband or any relative of her husband and it is shown that she had committed suicide within seven years from her marriage and that her husband or such relative of her husband had subjected her to cruelty, the Court may presume, having regard to all the other circumstances of the case, that such suicide had been abetted by her husband or by such relative of her husband.”[8]
S. 118 (Presumption as to 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 by such person to cruelty or harassment for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, the Court shall presume that such person had caused the dowry death.”[9]
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
S. 194 (Police to Enquire and Report on Suicide, etc)
1) “When the officer in charge of a police station or some other police officer specially empowered by the State Government in that behalf receives information that a person has committed suicide, or has been killed by another or by an animal or by machinery or by an accident, or has died under circumstances raising a reasonable suspicion that some other person has committed an offence, he shall immediately give intimation thereof to the nearest Executive Magistrate empowered to hold inquests, and, unless otherwise directed by any rule made by the State Government, or by any general or special order of the District or Sub-divisional Magistrate, shall proceed to the place where the body of such deceased person is, and there, in the presence of two or more respectable inhabitants of the neighbourhood, shall make an investigation, and draw up a report of the apparent cause of death, describing such wounds, fractures, bruises, and other marks of injury as may be found on the body, and stating in what manner, or by what weapon or instrument (if any), such marks appear to have been inflicted.
2) The report shall be signed by such a police officer and other persons, or by so many of them as concur therein, and shall be forwarded to the DM or the SDM within twenty-four hours.
3) When
i. the case involves suicide by a woman within seven years of her marriage; or
ii. the case relates to the death of a woman within seven years of her marriage in any circumstances raising a reasonable suspicion that some other person committed an offence in relation to such woman; or
iii. the case relates to the death of a woman within seven years of her marriage and any relative of the woman has made a request in this behalf; or
iv. there is any doubt regarding the cause of death; or
v. the police officer for any other reason considers it expedient so to do, he shall, subject to such rules as the State Government may prescribe in this behalf, forward the body, with a view to its being examined, to the nearest Civil Surgeon, or other qualified medical person appointed in this behalf by the State Government, if the state of the weather and the distance admit of its being so forwarded without risk of such putrefaction on the road as would render such examination useless.
4) The following Magistrates are empowered to probe, namely, any District Magistrate or Sub-divisional Magistrate and any other Executive Magistrate specially empowered in this behalf by the State Government or the District Magistrate.”[10]
VIII. Salient Features of the Act
The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 was landmark legislation aimed at curbing dowry. This made the giving and taking of dowries illegal and punishable. The Act also mandated stringent penalties for those found guilty of dowry-related offences including imprisonment and fines.
“As per S. 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 “Dowry means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly”
a) By one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage, or
b) By the parent of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person, at or before or any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of the said parties.”[11]
Penalties and Punishments
The Act prescribes stringent penalties for violations. Anyone found guilty of giving or taking dowry, as well as those who demand dowry, directly or indirectly, can face imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of up to Rs. 15,000 or the value of the dowry, whichever is higher.[12]
Responsibility of Parents or Guardians
The Act places responsibility on parents or guardians of the bride and groom to ensure compliance with the dowry prohibition. They are required to make a declaration in writing to the authorities that no dowry has been given or received in connection with marriage.
Duty of Report
S. 8 of the Act mandates that any person having information about the giving or receiving of dowry must report it to the nearest magistrate or police officer. Failure to do so is punishable by law.[13]
Protection of Victims
The Act includes provisions for the protection of dowry harassment victims. It empowers courts to issue protection orders and injunctions to prevent further harassment and violence against victims.
Burden of Proof
In cases of dowry-related offences, the burden of proof lies on the accused. They are required to prove their innocence rather than the victim having to prove the offense.
IX. Strengths and Drawbacks of the Act
Strengths
Legal Framework: The Act provides a legal framework for addressing dowry-related offences by providing victims with recourse to our justice system in India.
Awareness: The enactment of the Act has greatly helped raise awareness about the issue of the “dowry” and its detrimental upshots in our society.
Punitive Measures: The provision of punishments for both “giving and taking” of dowry casts a strong message against the evil practice in our emerging society.
Criticisms
Ineffective Implementation: The Act’s major weakness is its insufficient implementation by enforcement personnel. Rules governing authorized protection for dowry offenses cannot stop their frequent occurrence, as law enforcement agencies have very little commitment to enforcing them.
Dowry Practice: This practice is acceptable because societies have accepted it as a normal practice, which is above legal enforcement measures alone.
Lack of Adequate Support Systems: Victims often face difficulties obtaining support systems to resolve dowry harassment problems. The Act receives insufficient measures to report dowry-related crimes and insufficient procedures to deal with such crimes, thereby overwhelming the shortcomings of the Act.
X. Case Laws
Several landmark cases have shaped the interpretation and enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act. Below are some notable examples:
Satvir Singh v. State of Punjab (2001): “In the case of unnatural death of a married woman as in a case of this nature, the husband and his family members or relatives could be prosecuted u/ss. 302, 304B and 306 of the Indian Penal Code. The distinction as regards the commission of an offence under one or the other provisions as mentioned hereinbefore came up for consideration before the Supreme Court.”[14]
Appasaheb & Ors v. State of Maharashtra (2007): “Reliance was also placed by the learned counsel for the appellant on a recent judgment rendered by a three-judge Bench of this Court in Rajinder Singh v. State of Punjab (2015),[15] wherein S. 304B has been explained to the effect, that the term “dowry” expressed therein, would not be limited to the traditional meaning attached to the aforesaid expression, but would include a demand for money for other purposes as well. In this behalf it would be relevant to mention, that the three-judge Bench did not accept the position expressed in connection whereof, this Court has spoken sometimes with divergent voices both on what would fall within “dowry” as defined and what is meant by the expression “soon before her death.” In this case, the Court strictly construed the definition of dowry as it forms part of S. 304 B, which is part of a penal statute.”[16]
Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar (2014): “There has been a phenomenal increase in matrimonial disputes in recent years. Marital institutions have significantly reversed in this country. S. 498A IPC was introduced with an object to combat the menace of harassment to a woman at the hands of her husband and his relatives. The fact that S. 498A IPC is a cognizable and non-bailable offence has lent it a dubious place of pride amongst the provisions that are used as weapons rather than shields by disgruntled wives. The simplest way to harass them is to arrest the husband and his relatives under this provision. In quite a number of cases, bedridden grandfathers and grandmothers of the husbands, their sisters living abroad for decades are arrested.”[17]
XI. Conclusion
This is a pure disgrace to our society, in which these elements do exist. One cannot say that the dowry system was completely demolished, as in remote areas behind the jurisdiction of law, this evil is still alive. In fact, this is similar to the entire humanity in which brides are killed and tortured for their own self-interest. Awareness of this topic should not stop; hence, today, as we learn this phenomenal topic, we should carry and spread knowledge further and keep ourselves alert to sense such evilness so that we can take steps to end it immediately.
Even after the campaign and amendments to Dowry’s laws, there has not been any lessening of Dowry’s evil. “A writ was filed in the Supreme Court in 1997, praying that Central and the State governments should frame rules u/ss. 9 and 10 of the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961, providing additional functions to be performed by the concerned officers, u/s. 8B of the Act. It also pleaded for the appointment of Dowry Prohibition Officers by states as required u/s. 8B, to furnish details regarding the work of Dowry Prohibition Officers wherever they have been appointed and for setting up Advisory Boards as mandated u/s. 8B of the Act. Various interim orders were passed and it was submitted that most of the states have framed rules under this act and Dowry prohibition officers have been appointed in most states.”[18]
XII. References
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
India Code
[1] The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, § 1, No. 28, Acts of Parliament, 1961 (India).
[2] Id. at 4.
[3] INDIA CODE, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/handle/123456789/1679 (last visited Jan 28, 2025).
[4] Brijesh Singh Saini, A Critical Analysis of Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 and its Efficacy, 6 JETIR 290, 291-292 (2019).
[5] The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, § 2-10, No. 28, Acts of Parliament, 1961 (India).
[6] Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, § 80, No. 45, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India).
[7] Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, § 85, No. 45, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India).
[8] Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, § 117, No. 47, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India).
[9] Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, § 118, No. 47, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India).
[10] Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, § 194, No. 46, Acts of Parliament, 2023 (India).
[11] The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, § 2, No. 28, Acts of Parliament, 1961 (India).
[12] The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, § 2, No. 28, Acts of Parliament, 1961 (India).
[13] The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, § 8, No. 28, Acts of Parliament, 1961 (India).
[14] Satvir Singh v. State of Punjab, (2001) 8 SCC 633.
[15] Rajinder Singh v. State of Punjab, (2015) 6 SCC 477.
[16] Appasaheb & Ors v. State of Maharashtra, (2007) 9 SCC 72.
[17] Arnesh Kumar v. State of Bihar, (2014) 8 SCC 273.
[18] The National Commission for Women, Recommendations and Suggestions on Amendments to the DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT, 1961, NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (Nov. 22, 2005), https://ncwapps.nic.in/PDFFiles/Recommendations_and_suggestions_on_Amendments_to_the_DOWRY_PROHIBITION_ACT_1961.pdf.
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