Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
Enacted on May 20, 1961, this was the first legislative step to tackle the issue of dowry by passing the Dowry Prohibition Act 1961. The act prohibits both the giving and receiving of dowry. Section 2 of the act defines dowry as any property or valuable security given directly or indirectly by one party to a marriage to the other party.
- The primary objective of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, was to curb the giving and receiving of dowry, recognizing it as a social evil leading to harassment and exploitation of women. The act sought to eradicate the prevalent mindset that considered dowry as a necessary part of marriage.
- Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, provides a comprehensive definition of dowry. According to the act, dowry includes any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly by one party to a marriage to the other party or by the parents of either party to the marriage or by any other person.
- The act unambiguously prohibits both the giving and receiving of dowry. Section 3 states that if any person gives, takes, or abets the giving or receiving of dowry, they shall be punishable with imprisonment or a fine, or both. This marked a critical shift by placing legal consequences on those involved in perpetuating this harmful tradition.
Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 and Related Law and Amendment
The Dowry Prohibition Acts stand as significant legal instruments aimed at addressing this societal problem. Dowry, a social evil deeply rooted in tradition, has long plagued Indian society. Recognizing the harmful consequences of this practice, the Indian government has implemented various laws to curb and eradicate dowry-related issues. Let’s discuss the related Acts on the Dowry Prohibition Act of India in detail.
Table of Content
- Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Amendment to the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1984
- Dowry Prohibition Rules, 1985
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
- The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013
- FAQs on Dowry Prohibition Act in India
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