
Dowry Prohibition Act 1961 Completes 60 Years
Sixty years ago, in order to eradicate the evil custom of Dowry from society and to eliminate violence against married women for want of dowry and Dowry deaths, “The Dowry Prohibition Act“ was passed. This Act received the assent of the President of India on 20th May, 1961 and the Act came into force on 1st July 1961. This date is important because giving or accepting of Dowry is prohibited after the commencement of this act. The act would be inapplicable if the Dowry has been given or accepted prior to 1st July 1961, even though the marriage takes place after 1st July 1961. In view of the above fact, on 1st July, 2021 this act completes 60 years. However, if we go back to history, about 250 years ago Punyashlok Ahilyaabai Holkar, the ruler of Malvaa Prant, passed the Anti-Dowry Act.