The Dowry Prohibition Act

The payment of a dowry gift, often financial, has a long history in many parts of the world. In India, the payment of a dowry has been prohibited since 1961 under Indian civil law. Subsequently, Sections 304B and 498A of the Indian Penal Code were enacted, making it easier for the wife to seek redress from harassment by the husband's family. Anti-dowry laws have been criticized by men's rights groups and Supreme Court of India, who accuse women and their families of misusing the laws