In India, the practice of dowry has become more than just a social issue; it has turned into a deadly problem. Recently, two shocking cases have once again highlighted the brutal reality of dowry-related violence. In Greater Noida, 26-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly set on fire by her husband and his family over dowry demands. In a separate incident, another woman became a victim when her husband used a hot knife in a violent dowry-related attack. These incidents are not isolated; similar tragedies have occurred in many parts of India over the years. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), dowry-related crimes are rising day by day. Women continue to face domestic violence, constant threats, and even death at the hands of those who see dowry as an entitlement. How can anyone kill another person so easily, without guilt or regret?

The dowry system in India involves giving durable goods, cash, and movable or immovable property from the bride’s family to the groom and his relatives as a condition of marriage. Traditionally, dowry was seen as inheritance for the daughter, because she was considered part of another family after marriage. Sometimes, it was negotiated as a “status equaliser” between families or even as a way for families to improve social mobility. However, in modern times, the practice often places a huge financial burden on the bride’s family. In many cases, the demand for dowry has led to extreme violence, including emotional abuse, physical assault, and even murder.

Indian laws against dowry have existed for decades. The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, criminalises dowry demands. Sections 304B and 498A of the Indian Penal Code were specifically introduced to prevent dowry deaths and harassment. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, was also introduced to provide legal support for women facing abuse. In addition, Section 113B of the Evidence Act was added to create a presumption that if a woman died under suspicious circumstances after dowry demands, her husband and in-laws are presumed responsible.

Even with these legal protections, the enforcement remains weak. Section 498A, which allowed automatic arrest of husbands and their families if a wife complained of harassment, was later restricted by the Supreme Court in 2014 to prevent misuse. This shows that while laws exist, they are either misused or poorly implemented, leaving many women unprotected.

One of the biggest problems is that dowry violence often starts immediately after marriage. Newly married women are especially vulnerable, as they are economically and socially dependent on their husbands. In some cases, dowry is used as a tool for extortion, with threats and violence forcing the bride’s family to give more property. Northern and eastern states in India show the highest rates of dowry-related violence, but the problem is widespread across the country. Dowry crimes include cruelty, domestic violence, forcingsuicide, and even murder through bride burning or other means.

The reality is horrifying. Women lose their lives even when the law is in place. Families often feel helpless, and many crimes go unreported or unresolved due to the slow legal process. NCRB data shows that thousands of dowry-related cases remain pending in courts, with convictions accounting for only a small fraction of cases.

The root cause of the problem is not just the lack of law; it is also the social mindset that allows men and their families to treat women as property. Changing this mindset requires education, awareness, and strict social consequences for perpetrators. Laws alone cannot stop violence if they are not enforced with severity. When a woman loses her life, it highlights the failure of both society and the justice system. The fear of punishment must be so high that men think twice before committing such crimes.

Recent incidents show that even with laws, dowry-related violence continues to shock the nation. The brutality of these crimes, including murder and physical abuse, demands urgent attention. India cannot claim to protect women when the threat of dowry death looms over newly married brides. Stronger enforcement, faster trials, and stricter punishments are necessary to ensure that laws are more than just words on paper.

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