vic (working professional) 15 July 2013

Definition of dowry

Hi All,

I have few questions regarding what comes under dowry under section 498a. Let's say if at some later date, wife files a case that husband took dowry during marriage, then what proofs from her side can be considered true for dowry case?

Few basic points that happen these days are:

1.) Gift in girl's name like car, flat etc.

2.) Jwellery to girl from her parents.

Does that above two conditions amount to dowry on groom's part? Also, if below condition happens:

1.) Both parties contribute and buy car etc in groom's name, will it come under dowry?

2.) Grooms side get some cash from bride's side which they use. Cash of not any big amount but usual stuffs that occur during ceremonial functions, will it amount to dowry?

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3 Replies

Adv k . mahesh (advocate) 15 July 2013

you say car purchased by two parties if you can show evidences then the other part is dowry and the cash you said if you or other party has evidence showing that they gave amount in cash proof evidence will come under dowry

the gifts normally counted as stridhan what ever she gets in marriage may be in your words as dowry is called dowry / stridhan

(Guest)

The defintion of dowry is taken,normally,from Dowry Prohibition Act 1961. There are various decisions given by the Apex Court where 'what counts as dowry' test devised.

Search for the same in the website.Should you fail,we are here to help you.But make a genuine effort.

(Guest)

Women are crazy or made crazy by the wide and vague definition of dowry.

Dowry as per few past queiries in this forum, even includes "Looking for a working women". Not sure how far this is true. Also another definition in this forum is every thing you ask is dowry. Even if you ask for Marriage to be done in so and so places, it amounts to dowry.... So much vague definition.