End Dowry Violence in India: BRAC Fight for Justice and Dignity

1. Introduction: The Urgency of Ending the Dowry Menace
In India, a woman is killed every 90 minutes due to dowry-related violence. This is not a relic of the past; it is a present-day crisis that continues to claim thousands of lives every year despite laws that have been in place for over six decades. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data released in September 2025, a staggering 6,156 women died in dowry death cases in 2023, and 15,489 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act—a 14% increase from the previous year.

Each number represents a woman whose life was violently extinguished by the insatiable greed of her husband and his family. These are not just statistics; they are daughters, wives, and mothers who were harassed, tortured, burned, and murdered because their families could not meet escalating and illegal demands for cash, gold, vehicles, and property. The horrifying cases of Nikki Bhati in Greater Noida and Parul in Amroha, both recently set ablaze by their in-laws over dowry demands, have once again thrust this issue into the national spotlight.

Dowry is a deep-rooted social evil that commodifies women and treats marriage as a financial transaction. Despite the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961 making both the giving and taking of dowry a criminal offense, and despite India’s new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which prescribes stringent punishments for dowry death and cruelty, the practice persists with shocking tenacity. The problem is compounded by societal acceptance, weak enforcement, and a justice system where only 33% of dowry death trials result in convictions.

At BRAC, we believe that ending dowry violence is not just a legal necessity but a moral imperative. We work on multiple fronts—supporting survivors of dowry harassment, providing free legal aid to secure justice, educating communities to reject this evil practice, and advocating for stricter enforcement of existing laws and societal transformation.

Your support is critical. Every donation to BRAC directly funds our crisis intervention for women facing dowry demands, our legal teams fighting for justice in the courts, and our community campaigns working to change the mindsets that perpetuate this violence. Together, we can build an India where a woman’s worth is not measured in rupees and gold, but in her inherent dignity and humanity.

2. Understanding the Issue: Scope and Impact in India
Dowry is a multi-dimensional social problem that manifests as economic exploitation, gender-based violence, and a gross violation of human rights. To understand its full scope, we must examine what constitutes dowry, the chilling scale of the violence it fuels, the socio-cultural factors that sustain it, and its devastating impact on women and society.

Defining Dowry and Related Violence

Legal Definition: Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Section 2), “dowry” means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given, either directly or indirectly, by one party to the marriage to the other party, or by the parents or any other person, in connection with the marriage.
Broader Reality: In practice, dowry includes cash, jewelry, household goods, vehicles, real estate, and even electronics. Demands are often made before the marriage and continue—and escalate—long after, creating a lifetime of harassment for the woman and her natal family.
Dowry Death: Under BNS Section 80, a woman’s death is classified as “dowry death” if it occurs within seven years of marriage under unnatural circumstances (burns, bodily injury) and it is shown that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment for dowry demands shortly before her death.

The Staggering Scale of Dowry Violence

Recent Data (2023): The NCRB’s “Crime in India 2023” report reveals that 6,156 women died in dowry death cases and 15,489 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
Historical Trend: While there was a slight decline from 7,045 dowry deaths in 2020 to 6,516 in 2022, the 2023 figures show the menace is far from declining.
State-wise Breakdown: Uttar Pradesh continues to be the epicenter of this crisis, accounting for 7,151 cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act and 2,122 dowry deaths in 2023, followed by Bihar (3,665 cases, 1,143 deaths) and Karnataka (2,322 cases).
Underreporting: These horrifying numbers are only the tip of the iceberg. Many dowry deaths are misreported as suicides or accidental kitchen fires. The culture of silence means most cases of dowry harassment never reach the police.
Pendency and Low Convictions: As of 2022, 60,577 dowry death cases were pending in courts, with the majority carried forward from earlier years. Of the few cases that reach trial, only 33% result in convictions, creating a culture of impunity.

Socio-Cultural Driving Factors

Patriarchal Mindset and Son Preference: In a patriarchal society, a daughter is viewed as a burden and a financial liability. Dowry is seen as “compensation” for the groom’s family taking her in, perpetuating her status as property.
Commercialization of Marriage: Marriage has become a transaction where the groom and his family extract maximum economic benefit. The higher the groom’s education or earning potential, the higher the dowry demand.
Status Symbol: For many families, receiving a large dowry is a matter of pride and social status, while giving it is seen as an obligation to ensure the daughter is “respected” in her marital home.
Economic Drivers: In families with multiple sons, dowry becomes a source of wealth accumulation and a means to fund the sons’ education, business, or their own marriages.

Forms and Escalation of Dowry Harassment

Pre-Marriage Demands: Demands are often made even before the engagement, with lists of specific items like refrigerators, televisions, motorcycles, or cars.
Post-Marriage Harassment: After marriage, harassment continues and often escalates. The woman is subjected to verbal abuse, physical violence, starvation, and confinement if her family cannot meet additional demands.
Dowry Death: When demands are not met, harassment can turn fatal. Women are burned alive (often disguised as kitchen accidents), poisoned, or driven to suicide.

Impact on Survivors, Families, and Society

Trauma and Health Consequences: Women who survive dowry harassment live in constant fear and suffer from severe mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Economic Burden on Natal Families: The financial burden of dowry pushes many families, especially in rural areas, into crippling debt, forcing them to sell land or take high-interest loans.
Perpetuation of Gender Inequality: Dowry reinforces the notion that women are inferior and must be “paid for,” undermining all efforts towards gender equality.
Intergenerational Cycle: Families that pay dowry for their daughters often justify demanding it for their sons, perpetuating the vicious cycle.

Your donation to BRAC helps address this crisis at every level. It funds our shelters for women fleeing dowry violence, provides legal aid to fight for justice, and supports our grassroots campaigns to change the social attitudes that make dowry acceptable.

3. Legal Framework: Laws and Policies in India
India has a robust legal framework to combat dowry, with laws that both prohibit the practice and severely punish violence associated with it. However, the gap between legislation and enforcement remains a critical challenge.

IMPORTANT NOTE ON INDIAN CRIMINAL LAW (AS OF 2025):
On July 1, 2024, India implemented a new set of criminal laws. All criminal legal references in this article are based on these current laws:

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, which replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, which replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023, which replaces the Indian Evidence Act.
All references to the old IPC and CrPC are obsolete for current legal matters.

Primary Anti-Dowry Legislation
The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961:
This is the foundational law that prohibits the practice of dowry. Key provisions include:

Section 2 – Definition of Dowry: Defines “dowry” comprehensively as any property or valuable security given in connection with marriage.
Section 3 – Penalty for Giving or Taking Dowry: Makes both the giving and taking of dowry punishable with imprisonment for a minimum of five years and a fine of at least ₹15,000 or the amount of the dowry, whichever is more.
Section 4 – Penalty for Demanding Dowry: Anyone who directly or indirectly demands dowry shall be punished with imprisonment for a minimum of six months, which may extend to two years, and a fine of up to ₹10,000.
Section 5 – Agreement for Giving or Taking Dowry Void: Any agreement to give or take dowry is legally void and unenforceable.
Section 6 – Dowry to be for the Benefit of the Wife: Any dowry received by someone other than the woman shall be transferred to her within three months of the marriage or be deposited with authorities.

Primary Criminal Legislation: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023
The BNS contains critical provisions that specifically address dowry-related violence:

Section 80 – Dowry Death: This section, which replaces the old IPC Section 304B, deals with the most heinous manifestation of dowry violence. It states that if a woman dies within seven years of her marriage under circumstances involving burns, bodily injury, or other than normal circumstances, and it is shown that before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives in connection with dowry demands, such death shall be deemed to have been caused by that person. Punishment: Imprisonment for a term not less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.
Section 85 – Cruelty by Husband or Relatives of Husband: This section, replacing IPC Section 498A, criminalizes cruelty towards a married woman by her husband or his relatives. “Cruelty” includes any willful conduct likely to drive the woman to suicide or cause grave injury, and harassment for dowry. Punishment: Imprisonment up to three years and a fine.

Evidentiary Protections: Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023
The BSA maintains crucial evidentiary presumptions that help survivors:

Presumption in Dowry Death Cases: If it is shown that a woman died under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage and that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment shortly before her death, the court shall presume that the accused caused the dowry death, shifting the burden of proof to the accused.

Constitutional Foundation

Article 14 – Right to Equality: Guarantees equality before the law. The practice of dowry violates this by treating women as commodities.
Article 21 – Protection of Life and Personal Liberty: The Supreme Court has held that the right to life includes the right to live with dignity, which is fundamentally violated by dowry demands and associated violence.

Institutional Framework

National Commission for Women (NCW): Investigates complaints of dowry harassment and violence and makes policy recommendations.
State Women Commissions: At the state level, these bodies provide a platform for complaints and advocacy.
Special Police Cells: Many states have established dedicated cells within police stations to deal with crimes against women, including dowry cases.

Donate to BRAC to fund our legal aid teams who are experts in using these powerful laws. Your support enables us to provide free legal representation to survivors, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable and that the protections guaranteed by law are vigorously defended in court.

4. Challenges: Barriers to Justice and Change
Despite strong laws on paper, the fight to end dowry faces formidable challenges rooted in social acceptance, weak enforcement, and systemic failures in the justice system.

Deep-Rooted Social Acceptance

Cultural Normalization: Dowry is so deeply ingrained in the social fabric that it is often not even recognized as a crime. It is euphemistically called “gifts” or “love and affection” from parents.
Family Pressure: Both the bride’s and groom’s families actively participate in and perpetuate the practice, making it extremely difficult for individuals to resist.
Victim-Blaming: When a woman suffers or dies due to dowry, society often blames her or her natal family for “not giving enough” rather than condemning the perpetrators.

Weak and Selective Enforcement

Police Apathy: Police are often reluctant to register FIRs in dowry cases, viewing them as “family disputes.” They frequently attempt to “mediate” rather than take legal action.
Misuse Allegations: There have been claims of misuse of dowry laws, particularly Section 498A (now Section 85 BNS), which has led to judicial hesitance and calls for reform. While misuse can occur, it must not be used to dilute protections for genuine victims.
Low Conviction Rates: The abysmally low conviction rate of 33% in dowry death cases creates a culture of impunity, emboldening perpetrators.

Judicial Delays and Pendency

Massive Case Backlog: With over 60,000 dowry death cases pending in courts, justice is delayed for years, sometimes decades.
Witness Turning Hostile: Due to family pressure or fear, witnesses often turn hostile during trials, leading to acquittals.

Economic Incentives for Continuation

Wealth Accumulation: For families with sons, dowry is an economic windfall that funds their own expenses and lifestyles, creating a powerful financial incentive to perpetuate the practice.
Debt Cycle: Families of brides are often trapped in a debt cycle, borrowing to pay dowry, which then forces them to demand dowry for their sons to recoup losses.

Your contribution to BRAC helps us fight these systemic challenges. We provide free legal representation to ensure cases are registered and prosecuted, work with communities to shift social norms, and advocate with the government for better enforcement and judicial reforms.

5. Solutions: Building a Dowry-Free India
Eradicating dowry requires a sustained, multi-pronged strategy that changes mindsets, empowers women, provides justice to survivors, and strengthens enforcement. BRAC Global Social Foundation implements a comprehensive model to achieve this.

Pillar 1: Community Mobilization and Attitude Change

Anti-Dowry Campaigns: We run large-scale public awareness campaigns in villages, towns, and cities, using street plays, posters, and digital media to denounce dowry as a crime and a sin.
Youth Engagement: We work with schools and colleges to educate young men and women about the evils of dowry and empower them to refuse to participate in the practice when they marry.
Religious and Community Leader Engagement: We partner with religious leaders and community elders to issue public statements against dowry and refuse to solemnize marriages where dowry is exchanged.

Pillar 2: Protection and Immediate Support for Survivors

24/7 Anti-Dowry Helpline: Our dedicated helpline provides immediate crisis support to women facing dowry demands or violence.
Emergency Shelters: We provide safe accommodation for women and their children who have fled their marital homes due to dowry harassment.
Medical and Psychological Support: Survivors receive immediate medical attention for injuries and long-term psychological counseling to heal from trauma.

Pillar 3: Legal Aid and Pursuit of Justice

Free Legal Representation: Our team of lawyers provides free legal aid to survivors from the moment they contact us—helping them file FIRs, securing protection orders, and representing them throughout the trial to secure convictions.
Fast-Track Court Advocacy: We work to have dowry death and cruelty cases transferred to Fast Track Courts to expedite justice.
Victim Compensation: We assist survivors in claiming compensation under various government schemes and through court orders.

Pillar 4: Economic Empowerment of Women

Skills Training and Employment: We provide vocational training and job placement support to women, enabling them to achieve economic independence so they are not forced to endure abuse out of financial necessity.
Awareness of Financial Rights: We educate women about their right to property, inheritance, and maintenance, empowering them to claim what is legally theirs.

Pillar 5: Policy Advocacy and Systemic Reform

Advocating for Stricter Enforcement: We engage with police departments and judicial authorities to demand better training, sensitivity, and accountability in handling dowry cases.
Pushing for Legal Reforms: We advocate for reforms to ensure that the Dowry Prohibition Act is effectively enforced, including making all dowry transactions void and establishing mechanisms to prevent the flow of dowry disguised as gifts.

Donate to BRAC to fund these comprehensive solutions that provide immediate relief to survivors while working towards systemic change. Every contribution supports our shelters, legal teams, and community programs that are dismantling the culture of dowry.

6. Societal Impact: A More Just and Equal India
Eliminating dowry and dowry-related violence will create transformative positive impacts that strengthen the entire nation.

True Gender Equality: Eradicating dowry strikes at the root of gender discrimination by establishing that women are not commodities to be bought and sold.
Reduction in Violence Against Women: Since dowry is a major driver of domestic violence, eliminating it will significantly reduce overall violence against women in India.
Economic Liberation of Families: Families will be freed from the crushing financial burden of dowry, allowing them to invest in education, healthcare, and productive assets instead.
Dignity for Women: When marriage is based on mutual respect and love rather than financial transactions, women can live with true dignity and autonomy.
Stronger Rule of Law: Effective enforcement of anti-dowry laws will strengthen the rule of law and demonstrate that no one is above the law, regardless of social status.

Your donation to BRAC contributes to this transformative vision. By supporting our work, you are investing in an India where women are valued for who they are, where marriages are based on equality and respect, and where no woman dies because her family could not meet a dowry demand.

7. Call to Action: Support BRAC’s Mission in India
The fight to end dowry is at a critical juncture. Despite decades of laws, the practice persists, claiming thousands of lives every year. This is a battle that requires the active participation of every conscious citizen. BRAC Global Social Foundation is on the front lines, but our ability to save lives and change mindsets depends entirely on the support we receive from people like you.

Why Your Support Matters Now

Escalating Crisis: The 14% increase in dowry cases from 2022 to 2023 shows the problem is worsening, not improving.
Justice Gap: With a conviction rate of only 33%, most perpetrators walk free. Support for legal aid can change this.
Window of Opportunity: Growing public outrage after high-profile cases creates a moment to push for stronger enforcement and societal change.

Ways to Support BRAC’s Mission

Financial Contributions

One-Time Impact Donations:

₹3,000: Provides one month of shelter, food, and medical care for a woman fleeing dowry violence.
₹10,000: Funds complete legal representation for one survivor in a dowry harassment or dowry death case.
₹25,000: Runs a comprehensive anti-dowry awareness campaign in a village, reaching over 500 families.
₹75,000: Establishes a skills training and job placement program for 10 survivors to achieve economic independence.

Monthly Sustaining Support:

₹1,000/month: Supports the operational cost of our 24/7 anti-dowry helpline.
₹3,000/month: Provides ongoing counseling and support for multiple survivors.
₹10,000/month: Sustains a legal aid cell in a high-incidence district, serving dozens of survivors annually.

Volunteer and Engagement Opportunities

Professional Skills Volunteering:

Legal Professionals: Provide pro-bono legal services to survivors of dowry violence.
Mental Health Professionals: Offer counseling to help survivors heal from trauma.

Community Engagement:

Take a Public Stand: Publicly declare that you will not give or take dowry in your own family.
Organize Awareness Campaigns: Host sessions in your community or workplace about the evils of dowry.

Advocacy and Awareness Building:

Social Media: Share BRAC’s campaigns and survivor stories to build public awareness and pressure.
Report Violations: If you become aware of dowry demands in your community, report them to the police or NCW.

Transparency and Accountability

Financial Transparency

85% Program Allocation: We guarantee that 85% of all donations directly fund our programs, with only 15% used for essential administration and fundraising.
Public Reporting: Detailed annual reports documenting program outcomes and financial expenditures are available at brac.in/reports.

Impact Measurement:

Survivor-Centric Tracking: We systematically monitor the safety, legal outcomes, and economic status of the survivors we support.
Conviction Rates: We track the conviction rate in cases where we provide legal aid as a measure of our effectiveness.

Tax Benefits and Recognition

Section 80G Deduction: As a registered Indian NGO, all donations to BRAC qualify for tax deductions under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.
Timely Certification: We provide tax exemption certificates within 7 working days for all donations above ₹500.

How to Get Started Today

Visit us at www.brac.in/donate-now to make a secure online donation and save a life.
Call us at [+91 7977386674] to discuss volunteer roles or corporate partnerships.
Email us at partner@brac.in / info@brac.in for more information.
Follow BRAC on social media to join the movement to end dowry.

Your action today is a powerful stand against a practice that has claimed far too many lives. Join BRAC’s mission and help us build an India where marriages are based on love and equality, not greed and violence.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About Dowry and Its Prevalence

Q: What is dowry and why is it illegal?
A: Dowry is any property or valuable security given in connection with marriage. It is illegal under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, because it treats women as commodities and leads to exploitation, harassment, and violence.
Q: How common is dowry violence in India?
A: According to the latest NCRB data (2023), 6,156 women died in dowry death cases, and 15,489 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act—a 14% increase from 2022.
Q: Which states have the highest rates of dowry violence?
A: Uttar Pradesh leads with 7,151 cases and 2,122 deaths in 2023, followed by Bihar and Karnataka.

About Legal Protections

Q: What are the main laws against dowry in India?
A: The primary law is the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, contains Section 80 (dowry death) and Section 85 (cruelty for dowry).
Q: What is the punishment for dowry death?
A: Under BNS Section 80, the punishment for dowry death is a minimum of 7 years imprisonment, which may extend to life imprisonment.
Q: What is the punishment for demanding dowry?
A: Under the Dowry Prohibition Act Section 4, demanding dowry is punishable with imprisonment for 6 months to 2 years and a fine up to ₹10,000.

About BRAC’s Work

Q: How does BRAC help survivors of dowry violence?
A: BRAC provides emergency shelter, free legal aid to secure justice, psychological counseling for trauma, and skills training for economic independence.
Q: Does BRAC work on prevention?
A: Yes, prevention is a core pillar. We run large-scale anti-dowry awareness campaigns in communities, engage youth and religious leaders, and work to change the social acceptance of dowry.

About Supporting BRAC’s Work

Q: How are my donations used?
A: We guarantee 85% of donations directly fund our programs—shelters, legal aid, counseling, and community campaigns. Only 15% covers administration.
Q: Can I volunteer with BRAC?
A: Absolutely. We need volunteers for community outreach, and we especially welcome pro-bono legal and mental health professionals.

Your questions and engagement are vital for building a movement against dowry. For additional information or immediate support, please contact BRAC directly through our 24/7 helpline or our website. Remember, your support—whether through donations, taking a personal stand against dowry, or advocating for change—directly contributes to saving lives and building an India where women are valued and respected.

Disclaimer
This article provides information on ending dowry violence in India and BRAC’s comprehensive strategies. BRAC is a registered Indian NGO, distinct from other international organizations with similar names. Laws may vary across states and are subject to change—readers should seek qualified legal advice for specific cases. The figures presented are based on BRAC’s research-driven proposals and illustrative projections. They do not represent outcomes of current or ongoing programs. These numbers are intended to demonstrate the scale of impact that could be achieved if the proposed initiatives are fully funded and implemented. Actual results may differ depending on available resources, external conditions, and program execution. With your donation, these projections can move from vision to reality. Donate now by visiting our Donate Now page and choosing the cause that matters most to you.

BRAC® and Bureau of Randomly Active Committee® are registered trademarks of BRAC Global Social Foundation (2015–2035) under the Indian Trade Marks Act, 1999. Unauthorized use will result in legal action. Report: legal@brac.in