Dowry harassment help in India — complaint, BNS 85/86 (old 498A), Dowry Prohibition Act, streedhan, helplines
What to do if you face dowry demands or harassment: emergency helplines (112, 181, NCW 14490), the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, cruelty under BNS ss. 85–86 (old IPC 498A), dowry death under BNS s. 80 (old 304B), protection orders and streedhan return under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, how to document evidence, and the 2025 Supreme Court ruling on family welfare committees. Educational only — not legal advice.
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If you are in danger now
Call 112 (police/emergency), the Women Helpline 181 (24x7, in most States and UTs) or the National Commission for Women helpline 14490. Go to a safe place — a relative’s home, a One Stop Centre (Sakhi) or a shelter. Keep your phone, ID and some money with you. Our emergency page on domestic violence lists first-hour steps.
What counts as dowry
Section 2 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 defines dowry as property or valuable security given or agreed to be given, directly or indirectly, in connection with the marriage — before, at or any time after it. Giving, taking or abetting dowry is punishable with at least 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of at least ₹15,000 or the value of the dowry, whichever is more (s. 3). Demanding dowry is punishable with 6 months to 2 years and a fine up to ₹10,000 (s. 4). Voluntary gifts to the bride or groom without demand, listed as the Act requires, are not dowry. Any dowry received must be transferred to the woman (s. 6). States appoint Dowry Prohibition Officers (s. 8B).
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Write in Hindi or English · general guidance, not legal advice
Cruelty and dowry death under the BNS
Cruelty by a husband or his relatives — harassment to meet an unlawful demand for property, or conduct likely to drive a woman to suicide or cause grave injury — is punishable under Sections 85–86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (old IPC s. 498A) with up to 3 years and fine. Dowry death (death within seven years of marriage in unnatural circumstances, soon after cruelty for dowry) is punishable under BNS s. 80 (old s. 304B) with at least 7 years up to life imprisonment, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 raises a presumption against the person shown to have caused the cruelty (s. 118, old Evidence Act s. 113B).
Civil protection: Domestic Violence Act and streedhan
The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 lets a woman apply to the Magistrate (directly or through a Protection Officer) for protection orders, residence orders, monetary relief, custody and compensation. The Act’s definition of domestic violence (s. 3) expressly covers harassment to meet an unlawful dowry demand. Streedhan — jewellery, gifts and property given to the woman — belongs to her; the Magistrate can direct its return (s. 19(8)), and withholding it can also be criminal breach of trust (BNS s. 316, old IPC s. 406). See our guide on DV protection orders.
Making a complaint
You can file an FIR at any police station (Zero FIR under BNSS s. 173), approach the Crime Against Women cell, or complain to the State Women Commission or NCW. Write down dates, demands made, who made them and what happened. In Shivangi Bansal v. Sahib Bansal (July 2025), the Supreme Court endorsed Allahabad High Court guidelines under which, in many 498A-type complaints, no coercive action is taken for about two months while a Family Welfare Committee examines the matter — practice varies by State, and this does not apply where there is serious injury or immediate danger.
Evidence to keep
Messages, call recordings and emails about demands; a list of gifts and streedhan with photos and bills; wedding expense receipts; medical reports of any injury; names of witnesses; earlier complaints or panchayat/mediation records; bank transfers made to the in-laws. Keep copies with a trusted person or in cloud storage.
Do not misuse the law
Complaints must be truthful. Courts have warned against exaggerated or omnibus allegations against distant relatives, and a false charge is itself an offence (BNS s. 248). Stick to facts you can support.
How Adhiwakta can help
We are not an emergency service and do not file complaints. In danger, call 112 or 181. Adhiwakta is a facilitation platform, not a law firm. We do not file cases, appear before any authority, or promise any result. Use Ask Adhiwakta to describe your situation for general guidance from an independent advocate, or start with the AI helper to organise your facts and papers. Educational only — not formal legal advice.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the punishment for demanding dowry?
- Under Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, demanding dowry is punishable with imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years and a fine up to ₹10,000. Giving or taking dowry is punishable with at least 5 years and a fine of at least ₹15,000 or the dowry value (s. 3).
- What replaced Section 498A IPC?
- Since 1 July 2024, cruelty by a husband or relatives is covered by Sections 85 and 86 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, with up to 3 years’ imprisonment and fine. Dowry death is BNS Section 80 (old IPC 304B).
- Which helpline can I call for dowry harassment?
- Call 112 in an emergency, the Women Helpline 181, or the NCW helpline 14490. You can also approach a One Stop Centre, the police Crime Against Women cell, or a Protection Officer under the Domestic Violence Act.
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