What is Dowry?
Dowry refers to the property, money, or valuable items given by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. Though it is often presented as a “gift,” in most cases it is a demand rather than a voluntary offering.
Legally, dowry is a crime in India. Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 , giving, taking, or demanding dowry is punishable by law. The punishment includes a minimum of five years of imprisonment and a fine of at least ₹15,000 or the value of the dowry. In addition, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, Section 80 defines “dowry death” and prescribes punishment ranging from seven years to life imprisonment.
How and When Did It Start?
The roots of dowry in South Asia are complicated. Historically, texts mention stridhan (woman’s property) which was meant for the bride’s security, and in some communities, there was even a system of bride price where the groom’s family paid the bride’s family.
However, during the 20th century, dowry became more widespread and institutionalized. Between the 1930s and 1970s, research shows that dowry practices doubled in many rural areas of India, and the median size of dowries tripled (from around ₹5,000 in the 1950s to ₹15,000 in the 1970s in real value). Far from disappearing with modernization, dowry has often grown stronger, especially in North India.
Why Has Dowry Not Ended?
The groom is often valued according to his income, job, and social status. Families of brides “compensate” for this through dowry, treating marriage almost like a marketplace transaction.
2. Family Savings and Social Pressure
Many families start saving years in advance to meet dowry demands. Social expectations and relatives’ pressure normalize the practice.
Marriage is often viewed as “giving away” the daughter. To secure her place in her husband’s home, families feel compelled to provide money, cars, jewelry, or property.
4. Weak Legal Enforcement
Even though laws exist, conviction rates in dowry death cases are very low, and courts are burdened with tens of thousands of pending cases. This makes dowry crimes less risky for offenders.
How Many Women Have Died Because of Dowry?
According to NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau) data, 2022 , 6,516 women died due to dowry-related causes in India in just one year. This means nearly 18 women every day lose their lives because of dowry harassment.
Most of these deaths are recorded as dowry deaths under Section 80 of BNS (earlier Section 304B of IPC). Such deaths usually occur within seven years of marriage and are linked with continuous cruelty or harassment for dowry by the husband or his family.
The shocking part is that these figures are higher than many other violent crimes against women, yet social outrage is often limited.
How Do Families Suffer?
* Economic Suffering: Families of daughters often spend years of savings or take heavy loans for dowry. In many cases, the money equals several years of income.
* Emotional Trauma: Parents live under constant stress and guilt if their daughter faces abuse or death despite giving dowry.
* Social Pressure: Communities often say, “It is tradition”—forcing families to spend far beyond their capacity.
* Continued Demands: Even after marriage, new demands keep arising—cars, houses, cash—turning marriage into a never-ending financial burden.
Thus, dowry is not just an economic transaction, but a cycle of exploitation and violence.
Why Are Women Dying Even After Families Spend So Much?
Because dowry is not about fulfilling one-time demands—it is about power and control. Once a family gives in, the act of giving sets a baseline for further demands.
Even after spending lakhs of rupees, the bride is not guaranteed safety. Harassment often continues, and in many cases, women are killed or driven to suicide. The weak conviction rate and delays in trials give offenders confidence that they will escape punishment.
The Laws Against Dowry
* Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Prohibits giving, taking, or demanding dowry. Punishment: minimum 5 years imprisonment.
* BNS, 2023 (Section 80): Defines dowry death; punishment is minimum 7 years to life imprisonment.
* BNS, 2023 (Section 85–86): Covers cruelty and harassment by husband or relatives.
* Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (Section 118): Courts can presume dowry death if a woman dies unnaturally within 7 years of marriage and evidence of dowry harassment exists.
Despite these strong laws, implementation remains weak. Conviction rates are low, and many cases drag on for years, reducing the deterrent effect.
How Much Money Is Spent on Dowry?
There is no fixed amount—it depends on region, caste, and social class. However, surveys show that dowry has become nearly universal in many parts of India, and families often spend amounts equal to several years of earnings.
Studies also show that the pressure of dowry affects how families plan their lives—reducing consumption, increasing labor, and pushing them into debt just to save enough for a daughter’s marriage.
Recent Case: Nicky Bhati, Greater Noida (August 2025)
A tragic example is the case of 28-year-old Nicky Bhati from Greater Noida, who died on 21st August 2025 under suspicious circumstances.
* Married in 2016, she had already brought dowry including vehicles.
* Her in-laws allegedly demanded an additional ₹36 lakh.
* After years of harassment, on the day of her death, she was allegedly beaten and set on fire.
* She died while being taken to the hospital.
* Police have arrested her husband and several in-laws under BNS Section 80 (dowry death).
This case has shaken public conscience and highlights how, even in 2025, dowry continues to claim young women’s lives.
The Way Forward
1. Zero Tolerance in Society: Families should openly refuse dowry, treating any demand as unacceptable.
2. Speedy Trials: Special fast-track courts must handle dowry-related cases within fixed timelines.
3. Women’s Empowerment: Education, career opportunities, and financial independence can help reduce vulnerability.
4. Community Movements: Religious leaders, panchayats, and social groups should pledge “No Dowry Marriages.”
5. Digital Evidence: Chats, messages, and recordings should be preserved as proof to ensure strong legal cases.
Conclusion
Dowry is not just a financial transaction—it is a form of gendered violence. Every year, thousands of women die in the name of this outdated tradition. Despite strict laws, enforcement remains weak, and social acceptance continues.
The recent case of Nicky Bhati in Noida is a reminder that giving dowry never guarantees safety. In fact, it fuels further demands and violence.
A dowry-free marriage does not reduce family honor—it increases the dignity of society. Ending dowry requires both stronger law enforcement and a collective social refusal to treat daughters as financial burdens.
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