Is giving or accepting dowry punishable?
Yes, because it is a criminal offence. The person or persons guilty of giving, taking or abetting the giving or taking of dowry may be imprisoned for a minimum of five years and fined not less than Rs. 15,000 or the amount of the value of the dowry whichever is more. For adequate and special reasons the court has the power to grant lesser punishment but the reasons must be recorded in the judgement. (Section 3) Comment Under the Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act 1984 the punishment was enhanced and a minimum and maximum punishment limits were laid down. It was increased from Six months to two years imprisonment and the fine from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000. However, the Amending Act 1986 further enhanced the punishment which may extend to five years and fine which may not be less than Rs. 15,000 or the amount of the value of such dowry whichever is more. The main loophole in the present Act is that it holds the giver as well as the acceptor of dowry equally guilty. The provision of the Act
