Harassed for Dowry?
Aparna Pengat | Jul 10, 2007
The Law
Today, demanding, giving and taking dowry are all criminal offences under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Under section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, cruelty in connection to dowry by the husband or in-laws, dowry death or forcing a woman to commit suicide are all criminal offences and are punishable by life imprisonment.
What Constitutes Punishable?
The demanding of dowry is a cruel act and can be a ground of Divorce.
- A person who gives or takes, or helps in the giving or taking of dowry can be sentenced to jail for five years and fined Rs.15,000 or the amount of the value of dowry, whichever is more.
- Even demanding dowry is prohibited and is punishable with imprisonment of 5 years and a fine of Rs.10, 000.
- According to the Act, if your spouse has received any amount or kind, then he is liable to return it to you. And if he is planning to use it, then it should be with your permission. Using any of your valuables without your permission will amount to economic abuse punishable under the Domestic Violence Act.
- If the wife were to commit suicide within seven years from the date of marriage, then it is considered a forced suicide, by the husband and in-laws. Other offences related to dowry include cruelty which results in severe injury to the mental or physical health of the woman.
Mail this Topic 
A Network Eighteen Venture
Tell us what you think…