LawRato

SECTION 304B IPC - Indian Penal Code - Dowry death


Last Updated: 01 Dec, 2024
By Advocate Chikirsha Mohanty


As per new Indian Criminal law, IPC Section 304B has been replaced with BNS Section 80 with effect from July 1, 2024.

Please refer to BNS 80 for updated procedures & punishments.

Table of Contents
  1. IPC 304B in Simple Words
  2. IPC Section 304B related FAQs
  1. Where the death of a woman is caused by any burns or bodily injury or occurs otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of her marriage and it is shown that soon before her death she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or any relative of her husband for, or in connection with, any demand for dowry, such death shall be called “dowry death”, and such husband or relative shall be deemed to have caused her death.

  2. Whoever commits dowry death shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than seven years but which may extend to imprisonment for life.



IPC 304B in Simple Words

Section 304B of the Indian Penal Code deals with "dowry death," where a woman's death caused by burns or bodily injury within seven years of her marriage, and it is linked to cruelty or harassment related to dowry demands, leading to imprisonment for a minimum of seven years up to life for the husband or relative responsible.


LawRato 641+ Lawyers are online

Connect with a criminal lawyer in one minute





Offence : Dowry death


Punishment : Imprisonment for not less than 7 Years, but upto Life


Cognizance : Cognizable


Bail : Non-Bailable


Triable : Court of Session



Browse through our complete index of all IPC Sections. Learn about the Indian Penal Code with our extensive resource that covers every section in detail.




Find the best lawyer for IPC Section 304B charges

Comments by Users


No Comments! Be the first one to comment.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is 304 B IPC Supreme Court Judgement?

The Court noted that while the charge was framed under Section 304B of IPC it had been clearly stated that the accused subjected to the deceased such cruelty and harassment that she committed suicide by self-immolation. As such, non-framing the specific charge in the case would not be fatal.


Is 304 IPC bailable?

304-A, I.P.C. The police will devote more time to their investigation. It is a bailable offense and no court can deny bail to the accused.


Is Section 304B and Section 498A of IPC 1860 unconstitutional?

Sushil Kumar v. State of Haryana7, the Supreme Court held, that in the absence of evidence that the victim had been subjected cruel treatment or harassment shortly before his death, Section 304B was not violated. If there is no evidence that coercion occurred, a conviction under Section 498A would be unwarranted.