Dowry Harassment Complaint India 2025: Dowry harassment remains one of the most underreported crimes in India, causing countless women to suffer threats, violence, and mental cruelty from their husband’s family. Many are forced to pay cash, gold, or expensive gifts, even though dowry demands are completely illegal under Indian law.
If you or someone you know is facing dowry-related abuse, you have strong legal protections. The newly enforced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 together make it clear: demanding dowry and torturing a woman for it is a punishable crime.
This guide explains how to file a dowry harassment complaint in India, updated with all the relevant laws and procedures as of July 2025. Know your rights, gather evidence, and take action — because no woman should have to live in fear for refusing to pay dowry.
What is Dowry Harassment?
Under Indian law, any cruelty, abuse, or coercion by a husband or in-laws to demand dowry is a criminal offence.
Which Laws Protect You?
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)
- Sections 84 & 86 BNS: Covers cruelty by husband or relatives related to dowry. Punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment + fine.
- Section 80 BNS: Punishes dowry death if a woman dies unnaturally within 7 years of marriage and harassment is proven. Imprisonment of 7 years to life.
See BNS Gazette (Ministry of Home Affairs)
2. Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
- Sections 3 & 4: Demand or giving/taking of dowry is illegal. Offenders face jail and fine.
Dowry Prohibition Act Bare Act (India Code)
3. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA)
- Provides civil reliefs: protection orders, residence, maintenance, child custody, and return of dowry/stridhan.
PWDVA Bare Act (India Code)
4. BNSS, 2023
- Section 144 BNSS
- Section 482 BNSS or “BNSS equivalent”
Where to Lodge Complaints
| Authority | How to Complain |
|---|---|
| Police Station | File an FIR under BNS, Dowry Act. If refused, approach SP or Magistrate. |
| Protection Officer (PWDVA) | File Domestic Incident Report; seek orders for protection, residence, maintenance. |
| National / State Commission for Women | Lodge a written complaint for investigation or help. NCW Official Site |
| Women’s Helplines | Dial 181 or 1091 for immediate help. |
| High Court | Seek quashing of false FIRs under Section 482 CrPC. |
How to Strengthen Your Case
- Keep all chats, call logs, letters, and receipts showing dowry demands.
- Preserve medical reports, injury photos, property proof.
- Note down date, time, place of incidents.
- Gather witnesses if possible.
- Insist on written acknowledgment if police refuse to register FIR.
What You Can Get
✔ Criminal punishment for accused
✔ Protection from further abuse
✔ Return of dowry/stridhan
✔ Right to live in the shared household
✔ Monthly maintenance
✔ Custody orders for children
Precaution
Courts also safeguard against misuse. So file complaints with clear facts, dates, and genuine evidence.
Useful Government Links
- Ministry of Home Affairs – BNS Gazette
- India Code – Dowry Prohibition Act
- India Code – PWDVA
- National Commission for Women
Final Word
If you face dowry torture, do not stay silent. Use your rights under the BNS, Dowry Prohibition Act, and PWDVA. Get help, collect proof, and approach the right authority. If you need support, consult a qualified lawyer to guide you every step.
This guide is updated and accurate as of July 2025.