Section 2 of DPA : Section 2: Definition Of “Dowry”

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where Rita is getting married to Rohan. Rita's parents decide to give Rohan a car, a piece of land, and some gold jewelry as part of the marriage agreement. This transfer of property and valuable items would be considered a dowry under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The law applies regardless of whether the dowry is given before, during, or after the marriage and irrespective of who provides it – the bride's or groom's side.

However, if Rita were Muslim and the property given was mahr (a mandatory payment in the form of money or possessions paid by the groom to the bride at the time of marriage), this would not be considered dowry under this Act.