An Overview of Dowry Harassment Act and Process to File Case

In dowry harassment, the wife is harassed by her husband or husbands relative for the dowry. Although, this offense is punishable under law, still, it is very much prevalent in Indian society.

The situation is quite bad in our society. While numerous married women silently suffer dowry harassment from their in-laws' side, some brave females challenge this practice and take legal assistance.

However, there is one darker side of the Dowry Harassment Act. A few women misuse this act to harass their husbands.

So, if you are among those people who are suffering due to dowry or due to false use of Dowry Harassment act, then this blog is for you.

In this blog, we will talk about the below-mentioned acts.

● Dowry and Dowry Harassment

● Punishment under Dowry Harassment Act

● Way to file for Dowry Harassment Case

● False Dowry Harassment Case

What is Dowry?

Dowry is the demand of the groom's side from the bride's family for the successful commencement of their marriage. These demands can be for jewellery, property, vehicles, cash or favours.

Initially, Dahez (as dowry commonly referred to) was the gifts that the bride's side used to give to the groom's family at or before the wedding. However, later this practice took a ugly face when the groom's family members started asking for favors and expensive items from the bride's family. As a result, the free will of the bride's family becomes a compulsion for them.

Understanding the gravity of practice, the honorable court has banned this practice. Now giving dowry and asking for it , both are considered crimes.

What is Dowry Harassment?

The term dowry harassment means physically, mentally and emotionally torturing a bride with dowry demands. Such harassment generally takes place after the consummation of marriage.

Punishment for Dowry Harassment

Dowry harassment is covered under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Here are more details about this act:

● Person or persons who give or take dowry is entitled to imprisonment.

● Person or persons who ask for dowry is also punishable.

● Dowry is a cognizable and non-bailable offense.

Dowry harassment under the Indian Penal Code,1980

● Section 304 (b): If the person is responsible for the death of his wife within 7 years of marriage. Such a person can be tried under dowry harassment act.

● Section 498 (a): If the person is responsible for the cruelty to the woman, he will be entitled to imprisonment or a fine.

Way to file for Dowry Harassment Case

We have made the dowry harassment complaint filing easier for you. Here are the steps that you can follow:

1. File an F.I.R. in the nearest police station

2. Consult a dowry harassment lawyer in Gurgaon or near to your place

3. If the wife has been torched physically or emotionally, she can file a case under domestic violence too.

False Dowry Harassment Case

It will be wrong to consider that only females suffer here. As in some cases, many females use dowry harassment as a weapon against husbands. If you are also falsely targeted by your wife and her family members under dowry prevention act. You are left with below mentioned options.

● Hire the best dowry harassment lawyer in Gurgaon and defend your case.

● You can also file a case against your wife.

But in both cases, you need to take the below-mentioned things into consideration.

1. You must collect evidence that supports your claim that you are knowingly targeted.

2. You must seek anticipatory bail.

3. You must challenge false allegations in the court.

Reach Family Kanoon Law Office

If you are looking for the best advocate in Gurgaon who can help you with the dowry harassment act. Then you are at the right place. We have long years of experience in dowry harassment cases, this experience makes us the dowry harassment lawyer in Gurgaon.