Question

Which of the following actions comes under the act of 'Dowry' as per the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961?
A. The groom's parents demand specific gifts for their relatives.
B. Parents give cash to their newly wedded daughter out of their own will.
C. Advertising that parental property will be given to the groom for marrying their daughter.
D. The groom's extended family forces the bride's family for destination wedding.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. A, B and C only
• C. A, B, C and D
• D. A, C and D only

Hint:

The crucial element in identifying dowry is the presence of a 'demand' or 'condition' for the marriage. Voluntary gifts given without any prior demand are not considered dowry under the law.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Dowry Definition:
The Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 (Section 2) defines dowry as property or valuable security given or promised, directly or indirectly, by one marriage party to the other, or by either party's parents, at, before, or after the marriage in connection with the marriage. Dowry is a demand or consideration for the marriage, not a voluntary gift.
Step 2: Case Analysis:
Let's analyze each scenario:

A. Groom's parents demand gifts for relatives: This demand directly aligns with the dowry definition. This is dowry.
B. Parents give cash to their daughter willingly: Presents given without demand are excluded from the Act. This is not dowry.
C. Advertising parental property for marriage: Offering property as marriage consideration constitutes dowry. The Act (Section 4A) prohibits such advertisements. This is dowry.
D. Groom's family forces a destination wedding: Coercing significant expenditure is an indirect demand for property. This is considered dowry.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Actions A, C, and D involve demands, consideration, or coercion related to the marriage, classifying them as 'dowry'. Action B, being a voluntary gift, is excluded. Thus, A, C, and D only are correct.