Dowry Death & Indian Society Law vs. Tradition: A Legal Insight

Introduction

Even in 2025, we are witnessing heartbreaking stories of women who die—physically and mentally—under the pressure of dowry. These are not isolated incidents, but a systemic reflection of social conditioning + legal ignorance + cultural normalization of abuse.

From lavish weddings to silent sufferings, dowry is often disguised as “gifts”, but its impact is deadly.

What is Dowry Death? (Section 80, BNS)

If a woman dies due to burns, bodily injury, or under abnormal circumstances within 7 years of marriage AND it is proven that she was harassed for dowry just before her death, it is legally termed as Dowry Death.

Punishment:

Minimum – 7 years

Maximum – Life imprisonment

This section is non-bailable, cognizable, and serious in nature.

Key Legal Provisions Related to Dowry Death

Section 85, BNS (Cruelty by Husband or Relatives)

»Mental or physical harassment = punishable

Often used along with Section 80

Section 108, BNS (Abetment of Suicide)

»If harassment leads to suicide = abetment charge

»Used when woman dies by suicide due to marital cruelty

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

»Giving or taking dowry = criminal act

»Demanding directly or indirectly = punishable

Recent Incident: A Mirror to Society

In June 2025, a 27-year-old woman named Ridhanya, from Tamil Nadu, was found dead. Her parents gave:

1. ₹70 lakh worth luxury Volvo

2. 100 sovereigns of gold

3. Multiple expensive items

Still, she was harassed—verbally, emotionally, and mentally.

She took her life. The in-laws were arrested and charged under relevant laws.

The dowry was not protection, it became a weapon.

VIDHIGYATA Insight: Society Must Change, Not Just Laws

The law is clear — dowry is a crime.

But society continues to glorify it through status, shame, and silence.

Dowry is not about money. It’s about control.

No amount is ever enough.

What starts as gifts ends as grief.

We need:

»Legal awareness

»Faster investigation in such deaths

»Gender-sensitive yet balanced implementation

»Reform in marriage practices

What is Dowry?

• A goodwill gift
• Source for oppression to bride
• A way to show off economic status for bride's family

Write down your opinions in comment sections on how we can tackle this problem.

Let’s change what we normalize. Let’s support justice, not tradition.

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