Abstract

Dowry is in commonly practiced custom in India. However, it is not legal and it is been prohibited under various Indian laws such as Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, Indian Evidence Act. There is a complete whole law pertaining to the prohibition of dowry called Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. However all the laws appear to be unsuccessful in fulfilling its objective as it is still practiced in our country. Behind every issue there is always some causes attached. It is the same with the Dowry system, various factors of the society and system lead to raise the demand of dowry and this ultimately results into Dowry Death. None can be blamed particularly for the continuance of this system because the lacunas are on the part of all, beginning from the statute itself to its enforcement. Also, it is not followed only by particular religion, instead it is practiced in more than one religion by one or the other name. The paper attempts to highlight the factors, causes, laws pertaining to the dowry system. Along with that it also discusses the stand of judiciary pertaining to the issue with the help of case laws.

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