DOWRY - a word that usually causes fear, or rather terror sometimes, in the mind of the parents of unmarried girls in India, especially among the middle class and economically weaker section of the society. First thing that comes in mind are the news and other known instances of deaths & tortures on the brides by their respective in-laws. Considering the exceptions where the bride's family takes advantage of the laws to harass their son-in-law and his family, Dowry is still considered as a necessary EVIL in our society. But is it really an evil, or is it the people who are evil.
The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 prohibits the request, payment or acceptance of a dowry "as consideration for the marriage", where "dowry" is defined as a gift demanded or given as a precondition for a marriage. Asking for or giving of dowry can be punished by imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to Rs. 15000 or the amount of dowry (whichever is higher), or imprisonment up to 5 years.
However it is worth noticing here that the gifts given without a precondition are not considered dowry, and are legal, per section 3(2).
So, legality of Dowry in India is a debatable issue, as it becomes difficult to prove if it has been demanded or given without pre-condition. Howerev if you are a parent or brother or sister of a girl and willing to give gifts to your loved one, it is legally acceptable as per above said information taken from various sources.
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