Act fast
My in-laws are harassing me for dowry. What can I do?
Simple answer
If you are in danger, call 112 or 181 now. Demanding dowry is a crime, and harassing a wife for dowry is cruelty under BNS Section 85 (up to 3 years in jail). You can file a police complaint, and also seek protection and the return of your streedhan.
Real-life examples
Pooja's in-laws keep demanding a car, taunt her and stop her from eating with the family. She saves their messages, tells her parents and files a complaint at the women's cell. Police can register an FIR for cruelty and dowry demand.
Nasreen's husband sold her wedding jewellery without asking her. Jewellery and gifts given to a bride are her streedhan. She can ask the Magistrate under the DV Act to order its return.
Meera's parents gave gifts at her wedding without any demand, and wrote them in a list. Such voluntary gifts are not dowry. But if her in-laws later demand more money, that demand is a crime.
What should you do?
- 1If you face violence or threats, call 112 immediately, or 181 for help, shelter and counselling.
- 2Write down each demand with the date, amount and who made it. Save messages, call recordings, bank transfers and names of witnesses.
- 3Go to the nearest police station or women's cell and file a complaint. Ask for a free copy of the FIR.
- 4Make a list of your streedhan (jewellery, gifts, cash) with photos or bills, so you can claim it back.
- 5Apply to the Magistrate under the DV Act for protection, residence and money orders if you need them.
- 6Call NALSA at 15100 for a free lawyer, or complain to the National Commission for Women.
Exceptions & limits
- Gifts given freely at the wedding, without any demand, are not dowry. They should be written down in a list.
- If you complain as the person harmed, your own statement cannot be used to prosecute you for giving dowry.
- If a woman dies unnaturally within 7 years of marriage after dowry harassment, it is a 'dowry death' (BNS Section 80), punishable with at least 7 years in jail.
Official legal reference
Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 — Sections 3, 4
Giving or taking dowry: at least 5 years in jail and fine. Demanding dowry: 6 months to 2 years in jail and fine.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Sections 85, 86
Cruelty by the husband or his relatives, including harassment for dowry: up to 3 years in jail and fine.
Earlier: IPC Section 498ARead the official textBharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 80
Dowry death: unnatural death within 7 years of marriage after dowry cruelty; at least 7 years in jail, up to life.
Earlier: IPC Section 304BRead the official textBharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 — Section 118
In a dowry death case, the court presumes the person who harassed her for dowry soon before her death caused it, unless they prove otherwise.
Earlier: IEA Section 113BRead the official textProtection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 — Sections 18, 19
Protection orders, and orders to return the woman's streedhan, jewellery and other valuables.
Where to get help
National Commission for Women
Complaints about violence and harassment against women.
NALSA Free Legal Aid
Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.
Source & status
- Applies to
- Varies by state
- Some states have amended the Dowry Prohibition Act. After a July 2025 Supreme Court ruling, police in some places may refer cruelty complaints without injuries to a Family Welfare Committee for two months before arresting anyone.
- Law in force since
- 1 Jul 2024
- Legal review
- Draft — awaiting lawyer review
Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.