DOWRY LAW FAQS

Dowry consists of all articles which are given to the groom’s side by the bride’s side in consideration of the marriage, either before or after the marriage whereas Stridhan involves all articles given only to you by both the groom as well as the bride’s side, either before or after the marriage. 

Stridhan is the property that a woman obtains at the time of her marriage in the form of gifts and presents by relatives and friends. It is very different from dowry because it is given to a woman voluntarily before or after her marriage and has no element of coercion. 

Usually it takes 4 to 6 years depending the fact, circumstances and severity of the case. But in certain exceptional cases, where the evidences and witnesses are very convincing, it takes around 2 to 3 years.

The role of a DPO is to prevent the taking or supporting of dowry demand, as far as possible. These officers collect evidences, conduct preliminary inquiries on receiving complaints regarding dowry and prepare case history and help the public in getting the case registered with the police.
Generally sub-divisional magistrates, city magistrates and police officer of a high rank are appointed as a dowry prohibition officers and he shall have the power of a police officer. You can know about the DPO of your area by contacting the family court of your district.

Yes, you can receive gifts on your marriage provided you a make list of gifts exchanged during marriage ceremonies. The list must clearly state all the gifts, in form of a sworn affidavit. The same needs to be notarized and signed by a protection officer and kept by both the parties. It is advisable to get the list notarized and signed to avoid a heavy penalty i.e. three-year imprisonment.

You must immediately get an anticipatory bail by applying for the same in the Sessions court or the High court.It is advisable that you to hire a well experienced lawyer, who can represent you in court and help you attain the anticipatory bail. Further, you should try to generate proofs and collect evidences to prove her false allegations and defend yourself patiently because judicial process takes time.

In such a situation, since there are no grounds for granting an anticipatory bail, your lawyer must request the court to grant you a pre-arrest notice instead. If granted, use this pre-arrest notice period to apply for anticipatory bail.In case your bail application is rejected, you can apply to the High Court and further to Supreme Court.

No, your husband cannot demand any dowry from you, instead he is required to give you “Mahr” or “Dower” as per Muslim personal law.It is your fundamental religious right to get Mahr. It establishes your financial independence from your parents as well as your husband. Neither your husband nor his parents have any legal claim over Mahr given to you.