Dowry, this one word brings jitters to a girl’s parents when it is highlighted in the marriage ceremony of their daughter. We all are aware of this deadly disease which has eaten up many innocent brides. But, are we really doing something to get away with this disease?? I don’t think so.
To protect us from the demons of dowry, the Indian Government enacted The Dowry Prohibition Act on 21st May, 1961 in order to prohibit the giving or taking of dowry.
This act was introduced in the Twelfth Year of the Republic Of India. It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dowry, according to this act means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly-
a) By one party in the marriage to the other party in the marriage; or
b) By the parents of either party in the marriage
Presents which are given to the bride at the time of marriage by her parents with their own wish are acceptable; provided that such presents are entered in the list maintained in accordance with the rules made under this Act.
Further, the presents which are made by or on behalf of the bride or any person related to the bride, such presents are of a customary nature and the value thereof is not excessive having regard to the financial status of the person by whom, or on whose behalf, such presents are given.
But, if the groom’s family demands of any other item, it is against the laws.
Penalty is slapped for giving or taking dowry. If any person demands directly or indirectly, from the parents or other relatives or guardian of a bride, as the case may be, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years and with a fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, provided that the court may, for adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than six months.
But, if we look at this Law, don’t you think that the punishment for the dowry seekers is too less. Think from a girl’s point of view, she is the one who suffers a lot between these arguments as if it is, “HER AUCTION”.
The dowry seekers should be imposed a fine of not less than one lakh and an imprisonment of not less than one year. This Act was introduced to provide justice to the Bride’s family. They are the one who suffer a lot.
When we talk about the Indian society, they are still living in the disillusion world. They have achieved global success in terms of technology and science. But, the social problems and thinking still stays somewhere in the Indian mind and the Indian homes.
We the female power needs to be strong and fight with this deadly disease with courage. We can’t let our sisters die for an impotent man, who supports his parents and sit like a baby on his mother’s lap. Let’s light the lamp, and spread its bright light and kill this disease.