Vidhi Codex

THE DOWRY PROHIBITION ACT, 1961

The Dowry Prohibition, act

Criminal196114 sections

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 strictly bans the giving, taking, or demanding of dowry in connection with marriage in India. Applying to citizens across the country regardless of religion, except for traditional mahr under Muslim Personal Law, it penalizes anyone who demands or exchanges property or valuable assets as a condition of marriage. The law makes all dowry agreements legally void and requires any property received to be transferred directly to the bride or her heirs. By penalizing violations, placing the burden of proof on the accused, and empowering dedicated officers, the statute aims to eradicate financial exploitation and protect women from marriage-related coercion and violence.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 0. Preamble
  2. 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
  3. 2. Definition of “dowry”.
  4. 3. Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
  5. 4. Penalty for demanding dowry.
  6. 4A. Ban on advertisement.
  7. 5. Agreement for giving or taking dowry to be void.
  8. 6. Dowry to be for the benefit of the wife or her heirs.
  9. 7. Cognizance of offences.
  10. 8. Offences to be cognizable for certain purposes and to be bailable and
  11. 8A. Burden of proof in certain cases.
  12. 8B. Dowry Prohibition Officers.
  13. 9. Power to make rules.
  14. 10. Power of the State Government to make rules.

PDF: pending for this language.