The Dowry Prohibition Act Needs Teeth

Abstract

Dowry has been a widespread social evil among the Hindus. Now it has spread to other communities also such as Muslims and Christians as well. The Parliament passed the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 with a view of eradicate the rampant evil. The Act has been amended twice by the Amendment Acts of 1984 and 1986. Section 2 of the Act defines dowry as any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given directly or indirectly, (a) by one party to the marriage to the other party to the marriage; or (b) by parents of either party to the marriage or by any other person to either party to the marriage or to any person at or before or at any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of the said parties. The Amendment Act of 1984 has amended the definition by substituting the words “in connection with the marriage of the said parties” for the words “as consideration for the marriage of the said parties”. The Amendment Act of the 1986 has further amended Section 2 by substituting the words “or any time after the marriage” for the words “or after the marriage”.