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Section 2: Definition of “dowry”
In this Act, “dowry” means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly— (a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or (b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person; at or before or any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of the said parties, but does not include dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies. Explanation II.—The expression “valuable security” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).
Amendment notes (numbers in square brackets in the text above):
- 1. Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, s. 2, for “or after the marriage” (w.e.f. 19-11-1986).
- 2. Subs. by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).
- 3. Explanation I omitted by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2 (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).
Source: official text of The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 as published on India Code (PDF). All sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.