Published Paper Details:

Dowry is the money, goods or estate that a woman brings to a marriage. A major legislative move to end the long-standing custom of dowries in India was the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961. The reality on the ground shows a sharp difference, with the custom enduring across socioeconomic strata despite its explicit ban on providing or receiving dowries. Reports of dower-related violence, harassment, and fatalities are still coming in, underscoring the difficulties in properly implementing the rule. Meaningful change is impeded by societal norms, patriarchal mindsets, and legislative implementation flaws. Although the law's scope has been broadened by modifications and court rulings, including provisions under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act and Section 498A (Section 86 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) of the Indian Penal Code, enforcement of the law is still uneven. The discussion is made more difficult by the mounting controversy over the abuse of these laws. This paper examines the gap between legislation and reality in India's efforts to abolish dowry. It underscores the need for comprehensive reform that includes stronger enforcement, social awareness campaigns, and empowerment of women through education and economic independence. Without a multi-pronged approach that challenges both legal and cultural barriers, the goal of eradicating dowry from Indian society will remain elusive. The fight against dowry requires not only legal tools but also a transformation of societal values and gender relations. This abstract looks at the discrepancy between Indian initiatives to outlaw dowries and their actual implementation. It emphasises the necessity of all-encompassing reform, which should include more robust enforcement, social awareness initiatives, and the empowering of women via economic independence and education. Eliminating dowries from Indian society will not be possible without a multifaceted strategy that tackles both legal and cultural obstacles. In addition to legislative measures, the battle against dowries also calls for a change in gender roles and societal norms.