Lawgist2Definition of “dowry”
In this Act, "dowry" means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly--
(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or
(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person;
at or before 1[or any time after the marriage] 2[in connection with the marriage of the said parties, but does not include] dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies.
3* * * * *
Explanation II.--The expression "valuable security" has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
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1. Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, s. 2, for "or after the marriage" (w.e.f. 19-11-1986).
2. Subs. by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).
3. The Explanation I omitted by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).
- 1 Short title, extent and commencement
- 2 Definition of “dowry”
- 3 Penalty for giving or taking dowry
- 4 Penalty for demanding dowry
- 4A Ban on advertisement
- 5 Agreement for giving or taking dowry to be void
- 6 Dowry to be for the benefit of the wife or her heirs
- 7 Cognizance of offences
- 8 Offences to be cognizable for certain purposes and to be bailable and non-compoundable
- 8A Burden of proof in certain case
- 8B Dowry Prohibition Officer
- 9 Power to make rule
- 10 Power of the State Government to make rule
