What is Dowry?
Dowry means 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 to the marriage or by the parents of either party or by any other person to either party to the marriage. It may be given at or before or any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of the said parties. But it does not include dower or ‘mahr’ in case of person to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies (Section 2). Comment The Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act 1984 has amended the definition of dowry by substituting the words, “in connection with the marriage’ (for the original words as ‘consideration of marriage’). The effect of the amendment is now easier to prove the giving or taking of dowry so long as presents were made in connection with marriage. Another significant change which has been brought under the Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act 1986 in the definition of dowry is that it now includes the property gi
