Section 7: Cognizance Of Offences | The Dowry Prohibition Act 1961

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Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a woman named Priya has been harassed by her in-laws for additional dowry after her marriage. They demand an expensive car and threaten to evict her from their home if their demands are not met. Priya decides to take legal action against her in-laws.

Under Section 7 of The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, Priya can file a complaint directly with a Judicial Magistrate of the first class or a Metropolitan Magistrate, as no court inferior to these can try offences under this Act. Priya's complaint, as she is the person aggrieved by the offence, allows the court to take cognizance of the dowry harassment without needing a police report.

Furthermore, any statements made by Priya about her in-laws demanding dowry will not lead to her prosecution under this Act, protecting her from any legal consequences for coming forward with her grievances.