Dowry Deaths In India: Analysing Legal Insufficiencies And Comparative Insights For Reform
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
V. Latha, VELS Institute of Science and Technology, School of Law (VISTAS)
ABSTRACT
Dowry deaths represent a persistent social evil in India, where women are subjected to violence, harassment, and often fatal outcomes due to unmet dowry demands. Despite legislative measures like the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 and amendments to the Indian Penal Code, the incidence of such deaths has not significantly declined, highlighting gaps in enforcement and cultural entrenchment. This paper examines the causes, legal framework, and insufficiencies of current laws, drawing comparative insights from other countries to propose reforms. Through a synthesis of statistical data, scholarly analyses, and qualitative studies, it argues for strengthened legal protections, better enforcement, and societal shifts to address this issue.
The research identifies key factors such as kinship systems, economic inequality, and weak institutions as contributors to dowry violence, while suggesting measures like enhanced education for women, international pressure, and refined legal definitions to mitigate risks. The dowry system in India has a long root in Indian culture. Dowry is also Called as Dahej which has become an obstacle to every woman's routine day to day life. Dowry has progressively evolved into social standards, which is a serious problem for women and our society as a whole. In India, the dower system has existed since prehistoric times. It was also thought to be an honor shared by both families for the groom to get money during a marriage so he could properly care for his bride. Dowry is not only in the form of money, but sometimes properties and gold are also shared to the groom and his family.
The objective of this discussion is to provide insight into the dowry system, societal impact and future scope. The present study employed an empirical research methodology, with a sample size of 200. The data was obtained within the borders of Chennai using a suitable sampling technique. The study's instruments include: The surveys that are structured with Findings in gender inequality, financial pressure, domestic violence, economic empowerment and cultural transformation. our culture as a tradition and presented as a complex set of challenges that impact on gender equality, family wellbeing and societal progress. India's dowry system is still a complicated, multidimensional problem that has an ongoing effect on society. Despite vigorous legal action and widespread public awareness campaigns, it continues to exist in our society in many forms and is adapted. To end this heinous social practice, the Indian government has made a law to refrain people from taking or giving dowry under the act of 1961.The main goal of the act is to investigate all the ills and repercussions of dowry and to abolish it from Indian traditions.
