NEW DELHI, Nov 28: The Supreme Court has observed that the practice of dowry continues to make marriages transactional, turning what is meant to be a sacred and emotional bond into a financial exchange. The remarks were made while hearing a case involving matrimonial disputes where dowry demands were alleged to have contributed to harassment and domestic discord.
The bench highlighted that the exchange of money, gifts or material possessions as a precondition for marriage places immense pressure on families, particularly on women, and often leads to exploitation and violence. The Court emphasised that despite stringent legal measures such as the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and provisions under the Indian Penal Code addressing cruelty and harassment, the social practice persists and continues to undermine gender equality.
Judges urged both society and law enforcement agencies to take active steps to eradicate the practice, ensuring that marriages are based on mutual respect, trust, and understanding rather than monetary or material considerations. The Court also noted the importance of educating communities about the harmful effects of dowry, reinforcing that marriages should foster emotional bonds and partnership rather than financial transactions.
