Amendments in Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

The National Commission for Women (NCW) had recommended certain amendments in Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. The major recommendations include:-

i) Amendment to definition of Dowry

ii) Provision for registration of lists of gifts received at the time of marriage.

iii) Provision for separate penalties for giving and taking of dowry.

iv) Penalties for non-maintenance of lists of gifts received at the time of the marriage.

v) Insertion of a new clause providing an opportunity to the woman to file a case at the place where the offence was committed or where she permanently/temporarily resides.

vi) Protection officers appointed under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 to carry out the duties of the Dowry Prohibition Officers.

In view of the recommendations of NCW, a proposal for amendment in Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 was mooted and draft Cabinet circulated on 14th February, 2013 to concerned Ministries/Department for comments. However, the Ministry has taken a considered view on the matter on 26th November, 2014 and decided to drop the amendment proposed in Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 in the present form after taking into account of the comments of the High Level Committee on the Status of Women and Ministry of Home Affairs on the matter received on 3rd November, 2014 and 18th November, 2014 respectively.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in reply to a starred question in the Rajya Sabha today.