Dowry as a Socio-Legal Perspective

Abstract

The present study is an in depth empirical study of dowry-related offences. It makes a critical analysis of judicial activism-a new development- in liberating women. The specific objective of this paper was to study the socio-educational profile of victims of dowry offences and relate it to the socio-cultural practice of dowry. It also makes an analysis of the laws related to dowry and their effectiveness. The findings of the study show that section 498-A and section 304-B have provided teeth to the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, but Article 51-A of the constitution remains ineffective because the socio-cultural norms related to the practice of dowry have remained unchanged and therefore, the practice of giving and receiving dowry continues as such. Even otherwise law abiding citizens are giving and receiving dowry. Adequate social awareness and education is necessary, along with legal punishment, to do away with this evil practice.

Keywords: Women, Marriage, Practice, Socio-cultural, Dowry, Offences, Victims, Law, Legislation, Punishment, Awareness