Q. The dowry system continues to perpetuate gender discrimination and violence against women despite strong legal provisions. Critically examine the causes and challenges in eliminating dowry in India. Suggest measures to address this social evil. (15 marks, 250 words)

Dowry, defined as any property or valuable security given by the bride’s family to the groom’s family at marriage, is prohibited under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. Despite this, dowry remains pervasive, as NCRB data (2022) recorded 6,589 dowry deaths and thousands of cases under IPC Section 498A (cruelty by husband and in-laws).

Causes of Dowry Persistence:

• Customs & Traditions: Deeply rooted cultural practices normalize dowry as part of marriage rituals.
• Patriarchy & Social Structure: Women seen as economic burdens; dowry acts as “compensation” for transferring responsibility.
• Status Symbol: In many communities, higher dowry payments are linked to family prestige.
• Fear of Ill-Treatment: Families pay dowry to ensure daughter’s security post-marriage.
• Caste & Clan Restrictions: Endogamy reduces pool of “eligible grooms”, increasing dowry demands.
• Weak Law Enforcement: Despite provisions under IPC 304B (dowry death) and Section 498A, conviction rates remain below 35%.

Impacts of the Dowry System:

• Gender Discrimination: Girls seen as liabilities, leading to preference for male children and practices like female foeticide.
• Educational & Career Setbacks: Families invest in dowry savings rather than girls’ education or careers.
• Delayed/Denied Marriages: Many competent women remain unmarried due to dowry demands.
• Crime & Violence: Dowry harassment, domestic violence, suicides, and deaths. For example, Nikki Bhati case (2025) shows social, institutional, and caste-based silences.
• Objectification of Women: Women reduced to instruments for wealth/status exchange.

Challenges in Addressing Dowry:

• Implementation Gap: Weak policing, low conviction rates, and misuse debates dilute the law’s effectiveness.
• Social Acceptance: Dowry normalized as a customary practice.
• Economic Aspirations: Rising aspirations among middle-class families have further normalized dowry as a financial “investment” rather than a crime.
• Rising Consumerism: In many cases, dowry is seen as a means to acquire wealth, property, or luxury goods.
• Fear of Social Stigma: Many women and their families hesitate to file complaints due to fear of social isolation, backlash, or bringing “dishonour” to the family.
• Underreporting: This leads to severe underreporting of dowry harassment cases, masking the real scale of the problem.
• Victim-Blaming Narratives: Patriarchal logic shifts blame to women rather than perpetrators.
• Community Pressures: Local caste/community bodies discourage legal action to “protect honour”.

Measures to curb Dowry:

1. Legal & Institutional Strengthening:
   1. Strict enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act and IPC provisions.
   1. Fast-track courts for dowry-related violence.
   1. Accountability mechanisms for police and judiciary.
2. Social & Cultural Reform:
   1. Mass campaigns to stigmatize dowry like Swachh Bharat–style awareness.
   1. Involving youth and religious/community leaders.
3. Women’s Empowerment:
   1. Universal education and skill development for girls.
   1. Economic independence through livelihood schemes such as Stand-Up India, Skill India.
   1. Legal aid, shelters, helplines for survivors.
4. Community & Family Interventions:
   1. Panchayats and civil society must discourage dowry practices.
   1. Promotion of “dowry-free marriages” through incentives.
5. Long-Term Gender Equality Measures:
   1. Gender-disaggregated policy data covering across education, nutrition, health, and workforce.
   1. Expansion of childcare, safe transport, and equal workplace opportunities.

Conclusion:

The dowry system, though legally banned, thrives due to entrenched patriarchy, social prestige, and weak enforcement. Efforts against dowry lies in empowering women, stigmatizing dowry demands, and ensuring justice delivery. Only then will India uphold the dignity and equality promised under the Constitution (Articles 14 & 15).

‘+1’ Value addition:

• NCRB (2022): 6,589 dowry deaths.
• NFHS-5: 30% of married women report spousal violence.
• Nikki Bhati Case (2025): Illustrates caste, family, and institutional complicity in perpetuating dowry
• Global comparison: UN Women notes that dowry-related violence is also prevalent in South Asia across Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

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