Dowry: A Social Evil

Dowry continues to remain a deeply rooted social evil in India despite being legally prohibited for decades. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was enacted to criminalize the giving, taking, and demanding of dowry, yet the practice continues in disguised forms such as shagun, wedding gifts, and family traditions. This article examines the historical transformation of dowry from the concept of voluntary stridhan intended to provide women with financial security into a demand-driven practice often associated with harassment, cruelty, violence, and dowry deaths. It analyses the key legal provisions of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and its interaction with other laws protecting women from marital violence. The article further discusses landmark judicial decisions, including *Appasaheb v. State of Maharashtra* and *Satbir Singh v. State of Haryana*, which have contributed to clarifying the scope of dowry-related offences and dowry deaths. It also highlights the limitations of relying solely on legislation to eliminate a practice deeply embedded in social customs. The article argues that effective enforcement, public awareness, timely justice, and the economic empowerment of women must accompany legal measures. Ultimately, eradicating dowry requires not only stronger implementation of the law but also a fundamental transformation of societal attitudes towards marriage, equality, and women's dignity.