DOWRY VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA

Author: Dr. Khushboo Zeb Department of Political Science (Human Rights) Aligarh Muslim University

Published On: 2023-04-03

In the current scenario, the practice of giving and taking dowry is widely rampant and deep-rooted in Indian society. It survives as a social phenomenon in many South Asian countries, like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.Dowry means assets or any valuable security given or agreed to be given by one party to another party within a marriage. Dowry death is a primary social concern, where a bride commitssuicide or is killed by their partners and family members due to not meeting their dowry demand. In the 21^st century,the dowry system has become a social menace that causes physical violence, marital conflict, economic and emotional strain to the bride’s parents,and so on.Taking dowry is itself a heinous crime and has become illegal as per the Dowry Act of 1961. The practice of dowry is widely spread, despite anti-dowry laws and government legislation. Therefore, voluntary action is required to check atrocities against women and to make the movement against dowry strong. The roots of the dowry problemstay in our society; however, its remedies can only be achieved by changing the mindset of the people through education and legal awareness.

The paper discusses the concept of dowry and the factors associated with dowryviolence toward women in India. Furthermore, the research paper also highlights the dowry provisions in India. Some suggestions are also included to get rid of this menace from society.

Keywords:Dowry, Violence, Dowry Deaths, Discrimination, Women Empowerment, Laws