Dowry System and Violence Against Women in India

29 May 2026

Despite being banned since 1961, the dowry system remains a “civilizational contradiction” in India, where goddesses are worshipped while daughters are treated as commodities valued in cash and cars.

The discussion highlights how dowry has evolved from “Stree Dhan” (voluntary gifts for a daughter’s security) into an exploitative demand by the husband’s family

Social Contradiction in Indian Society

Civilizational Contradiction: The article highlights a major “civilizational contradiction” in Indian society, where people worship goddesses such as Lakshmi and Saraswati, yet daughters are often valued through material considerations such as cash, cars, and flats in the form of dowry.

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Difference Between Stridhan and Dowry

Stridhan

Stridhan refers to voluntary gifts given to daughters by their parents and relatives for their financial security, dignity, and empowerment, and it legally remains the exclusive property of the woman.

Dowry

Dowry, in contrast, is a demand made by the groom’s family, often treated as an entitlement, and frequently becomes a source of economic exploitation, coercion, abuse, and violence against women.

How Dowry Gradually Turns Into Violence?

From Demands to Abuse: Dowry-related violence often begins with seemingly small or indirect demands, which gradually evolve into financial pressure, emotional manipulation, psychological harassment, physical violence, and in extreme cases lead to suicides or dowry deaths.

Dowry as a Violation of Gender Equality

Violation of SDG-5: Dowry-related violence directly violates Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Degradation of Masculinity: The article also argues that when a man demands dowry, he effectively places a “price tag” upon himself, thereby undermining his own dignity, self-worth, and masculinity.

Legal Framework Against Dowry

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was the first major legislation enacted to prohibit the practice of dowry and criminalize both the giving and taking of dowry in India.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – Section 80: Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) deals with dowry deaths and provides punishment ranging from a minimum of seven years imprisonment to life imprisonment.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – Section 85: Section 85 addresses cruelty by husband or relatives, including physical or mental harassment inflicted upon women in connection with dowry demands.

Judicial Developments

Allahabad High Court (2026): The Allahabad High Court observed that heinous dowry-related crimes should not be resolved through private or out-of-court settlements, considering their serious societal implications.
Supreme Court – Ajmal Beg Case (2025): In the Ajmal Beg case, the Supreme Court held that dowry violence is not merely a social evil but also a violation of constitutional values and women’s dignity.

Four-P Framework to Address Dowry

1. Prevention

Effective prevention requires promoting education, employment opportunities, and economic empowerment for women, along with ensuring zero tolerance toward dowry practices in society.

2. Protection

Strong protection mechanisms such as 24×7 helplines, immediate police response systems, and safe reporting mechanisms are essential to support victims of dowry harassment.

3. Prosecution

There is a need for proper implementation of anti-dowry laws, along with speedy trials and higher conviction rates to strengthen deterrence against dowry-related crimes.

4. Crisis Support

Victims should be provided with comprehensive mental health support, legal aid, counselling services, and shelter homes to ensure rehabilitation and protection during crises.

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Debate Regarding Misuse of Dowry Laws

Concerns of Misuse: The discussion also acknowledged concerns regarding the alleged misuse of dowry-related legal provisions in certain cases, leading to debates on procedural fairness.
Societal Preferences and Materialism: It was also observed that some families continue to display a social preference for wealthy grooms and financially affluent households, indirectly sustaining dowry expectations.
Need for Balanced Implementation: Therefore, while strict action against dowry remains essential, there is also a need for balanced discussion, fair investigation, and careful implementation of laws to ensure justice for all parties involved.