Deaths from Dowry in India, 2025

Author
Navya Pandey
Created
Reading time
6 min

Introduction

The long-term effect of this illegal practice is demonstrated by the rise in deaths related to dowry in India. The areas include Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, and Uttar Pradesh. Women still experience dowry-related harassment, abuse, and suicide, and investigations are ongoing with few convictions.

What are the Reasons for Deaths related to Dowry in India? 

  • Cultural Entitlement and Deep-rooted Traditions
    • Dowry is still considered a societal practice, despite being prohibited since 1961 by the Dowry Prohibition Act.
    • Many families still view it as a necessary component of marriage, frequently presented as “gifts.” Some societal segments evaluate a girl’s value based on the dowry she brings rather than the life she creates.
    • Families are under pressure to satisfy growing dowry demands due to cultural and societal pressures, which frequently results in harassment, abuse, and even fatalities.
  • Examine the Problem of Dowry in India
    • The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that dowry fatalities in India averaged 7,000 per year between 2017 and 2022.
    • Since many dowry fatalities go unreported, the NCRB data is cautious, highlighting the severity of the problem.
    • Between 1960 and 2008, 95% of marriages in rural India, the subject of World Bank research, involved dowries. This demonstrates how ingrained the practice is.
  • Gender Discrimination and Patriarchal Practices
    • Since women are seen as a burden in marriage, dower is frequently utilized to exert control over them. Additional dowry demands from husbands and in-laws stem from patriarchal views that treat women like commodities.
  • Normalizing Abuse
    • Laws such as Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, criminalize harassment and killings linked to dowries. However, the dowry custom has made abuse commonplace in many homes. Because it is thought to be a private family affair, such violence frequently remains unreported.
    • Dormitory was the primary cause of more than 6,100 killings in India between 2017 and 2022.
    • Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha accounted for more than 60%. During this time, these states, together with Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana, caused 80% of all dowry death cases.
    • Because of this ignorance and the way laws are applied, it is more difficult for women to leave violent situations.
  • Role of Economic Factors
    • The demand for larger dowries is influenced by growing economic difficulties. An atmosphere that supports dowry expectations is produced by rising consumerism, the impact of social media, and the desire for a grand wedding.

What are the Legal and Judicial Challenges in Deaths Related to Dowry in India? 

  • Inadequate Investigation and Slow Response
    • Out of the 7,000 dowry fatalities recorded annually, only about 4,500 result in charge papers.
    • The remaining ones are still stalled because investigations have been postponed, handled improperly, or dismissed for lack of proof or fabricated allegations.
    • Systemic delays were shown by the fact that investigations into more than 67% of dowry deaths in 2022 had been ongoing for more than six months.
  • Judicial Bottlenecks
    • More than 90% of cases are delayed in court, even after the charge papers are filed. Due to the low number of convictions (about 100 per year), cases frequently go unsolved for years, giving offenders a sense of impunity.
  • Lack of Coordination Between Police and Judiciary
    • Particularly in small towns or villages, police frequently attempt to “resolve” dowry allegations through mediation.
    • In addition, a system where justice is not only postponed but occasionally denied is created by the slow rate of charge sheet filing (70 percent after two months or more) and court proceedings.
  • Underreporting and Victim-Blaming
    • Many dowry-related deaths remain unreported because of social and familial pressure, a lack of legal knowledge, and fear of stigma.
    • Families of victims are frequently reluctant to seek justice in close-knit communities, and many women dread being abandoned.
dowry in india

What can be Done to Break the Cycle of Deaths Related to Dowry in India? 

  • Economic Empowerment
    • Financial empowerment for women is essential to ending the cycle of dowry violence. To keep girls in school and postpone early marriage, laws such as the Right to Education Act of 2009 and the Prevention of Child Marriage Act of 2006 must be properly enforced.
    • Women can receive the resources, funds, and skills necessary for independence through programs like the National Skill Development Mission, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, and Mudra Yojana.
    • Women who own and manage resources are more equipped to fend off abuse and create their destiny.
  • Make Dowry Reporting Easier and Safer
    • Utilize tech-based channels (such as WhatsApp helplines and apps) to monitor police response and accept anonymous complaints. Give whistleblowers in families or communities legal anonymity and safety. More women come forward when reporting is safer.
  • Strengthening Law Enforcement
    • Police officers need to be trained to deal with dowry-related matters more quickly and sensitively. Priority must be given to a prompt investigation and strict punishment for the accused.
    • From the beginning, dower allegations must be reported and looked into as criminal acts. Taking these instances seriously makes it clear that dowry abuse is illegal and cannot be tolerated.
  • Create Real Exit Pathways for Women
    • Without assistance, leaving abuse is not an option. Appropriate shelters with job assistance, legal aid, and counseling are necessary in every area. Women who walk out must receive direct financial or income help so that survival is not their next challenge.
  • Judicial Reforms and Fast-Tracking Cases
    • Establishing fast-track courts just for dowry death cases will speed up trials and cut down on court system delays.
  • Increase Awareness and Legal Support
    • Legal assistance and counseling should be more easily accessible to victims of dowry harassment.
    • Over time, public attitudes may shift as a result of social awareness initiatives that highlight the detrimental effects of dowries, which would lessen the violence associated with them.

Conclusion

Deaths from dowry in India continue to plague society despite legal prohibitions and sporadic convictions. The entrenched cultural entitlement, economic pressures, and patriarchal norms contribute to this persistent issue. Legal and judicial challenges, including inadequate investigations and judicial bottlenecks, further exacerbate the problem. To break this cycle, economic empowerment, enhanced law enforcement, easier reporting mechanisms, and judicial reforms are imperative. Only through comprehensive societal change can the cycle of dowry-related deaths be effectively addressed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • What is the punishment for dowry in India?

    Under Section 304B of the IPC, those convicted of dowry death face a minimum of 7 years in prison, which can extend to life imprisonment.

  • How many dowry deaths occurred in 2025?

    According to NCRB, over 7,400 dowry deaths were officially reported in 2025 — but the real number could be much higher.

  • Are dowry deaths only a rural problem?

    No. While more visible in rural areas, urban India often disguises dowry through indirect means and emotional coercion.

  • What steps can families take to prevent dowry abuse?

    Refuse to give or take dowry. Educate your daughters and sons. Support victims, not silence them. Be part of the change.

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