In this Act, "dowry" means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly-
(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or
(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person;
at or before *
[or any time after the marriage] **
[in connection with the marriage of the said parties, but does not include] dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies.
* * *
Explanation II.-The expression "valuable security" has the
same meaning as in section 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of
1860).
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* Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, s. 2, for "or after the marriage" (w.e.f. 19-11-1986).
* Subs. by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).
*** The Explanation I omitted by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-10-1985)
Section 3 Penalty for giving or taking dowry
Section 4 Penalty for demanding dowry
Section 4A Ban on advertisement, Section 5 Agreement for giving or taking dowry to be void
Section 6 Dowry to be for the benefit of the wife or her heirs
Section 7 cognizance of offences
Section 8B Dowry Prohibition Officers
Section 10 Power of the State Government to make rules
Provisions of Indian Penal Code and Indian Evidence Act Relevant Dowry Prohibition Act 1961
Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985