TRANSCENDING PROHIBITION: INVESTIGATING THE ENDURANCE OF DOWRY IN MODERN INDIA

Abstract

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the associated dowry laws continue to be a social and legal conundrum even after more than half a century of their enactment. Though dowry has been outlawed and the acts associated with it criminalised, the practice of dowry is still a social evil today. And the usual demand for cash, gold and jewels as dowry has waned. The dowry also includes automobiles, real estate, electronic devices, lavish nuptials and monetary support. The essay deals with the long life of dowry through the study of the different forms of dowry, legal framework and the judiciary’s response to the crimes related to dowry. The paper also discusses the gap between law and its enforcement and recommends legal literacy, gender equality, women empowerment and community participation to address the problems of Dowry.