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Dowry Harassment / 498A

You are being harassed by your husband or in-laws for dowry. This includes demands for money, gifts, property, or physical and mental cruelty related to dowry.

Do this now
  1. 01If in immediate danger, call 112 or Women Helpline 181
  2. 02File a complaint at the nearest Women's Police Station or regular police station
  3. 03Call NCW helpline 7827-170-170
  4. 04Get a medical examination report if physically injured
  5. 05Apply for a protection order under the Domestic Violence Act
  6. 06Keep all evidence of dowry demands (messages, recordings, witness accounts)
  7. 07Approach a Protection Officer under the DV Act through the Magistrate
  8. 08Contact a women's shelter if you need immediate safe accommodation
Evidence to collect
  1. Messages, WhatsApp chats, or recordings of dowry demands
  2. List of dowry items given at the time of marriage
  3. Medical reports of injuries
  4. Photographs of injuries or damage to property
  5. Witness statements from neighbours, relatives, or friends
  6. Bank statements showing money transfers to in-laws
  7. Marriage photographs and videos showing gifts given
Documents you need
  1. FIR or NCR copy
  2. Medical examination report
  3. Marriage certificate
  4. List of dowry items (stridhan)
  5. Evidence of harassment (messages, photos)
  6. ID proof (Aadhaar, voter ID)
Where to complain
  1. Women's Police Station — FIR under BNS 85
  2. Any Police Station — Zero FIR (can be filed anywhere)
  3. Protection Officer — Under Domestic Violence Act
  4. Magistrate Court — Application under DV Act Section 12
  5. National Commission for Women — ncw.nic.in
  6. State Women's Commission
Laws that apply
  1. BNS Section 85 — Cruelty by husband or relatives
  2. BNS Section 80 — Dowry death
  3. Dowry Prohibition Act — Section 3 (Penalty for giving/taking dowry)
  4. Dowry Prohibition Act — Section 4 (Penalty for demanding dowry)
  5. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act — Section 12 (Protection order)
Understanding the issue

Dowry harassment is a serious criminal offence in India. Under BNS Section 85, cruelty by husband or his relatives is punishable with up to 3 years imprisonment. If a woman dies within 7 years of marriage under suspicious circumstances related to dowry, it is treated as dowry death under BNS Section 80 (punishable up to life imprisonment). The Dowry Prohibition Act makes giving, taking, or demanding dowry punishable. Victims can seek protection under the Domestic Violence Act.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer immediately to file cases under multiple laws simultaneously — BNS 85 (criminal), DV Act (protection order), and Dowry Prohibition Act. A lawyer can also help secure maintenance and residence rights.