Proving a Dowry-Related Crime

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Usually, in criminal law it is upon the person making the complaint to prove that the person they are accusing has committed the crime.

But in cases of dowry the person against whom there is a complaint has to prove that they are innocent.

For Example, if Simran makes a complaint that Raj has asked her family for dowry, then Raj has to prove that he has not asked for dowry.

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Complaining about a Demand for Dowry

Under the Indian law, in case you have been coerced into paying dowry, you can still file a complaint against the offenders.

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Women’s Right to Take Possession of the Dowry

If dowry has been given or taken at or after your wedding and the same is received by your husband or in-laws or any other person, they have to hand it over to you as it is your property.

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Giving gifts or presents by either the bride or groom at the wedding is not punishable when it has been done voluntarily.

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Under the Indian law, it is illegal to demand dowry from anyone related to the bride or groom as a condition of marriage.

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According to the Indian law, It is important to note that Mehr or Dower given during Muslim marriages is not the same as dowry.