What if in-laws demand dowry?

Demanding dowry is a criminal offence punishable with 6 months to 2 years imprisonment. File FIR immediately.

Under the Dowry Prohibition Act, both giving and taking dowry is illegal. Demanding dowry is punishable with imprisonment of not less than 6 months extending up to 2 years and fine up to Rs. 10,000. If someone dies within 7 years of marriage under suspicious circumstances related to dowry demand, it is treated as dowry death under BNS Section 80, punishable with minimum 7 years imprisonment extending to life imprisonment. You can file an FIR at any police station, approach the Dowry Prohibition Officer in your district, or file a complaint under the DV Act. Even indirect demands like asking for gifts or money for wedding expenses count as dowry demands.

• Dowry Prohibition Act — Section 3 (Penalty for giving or taking dowry)
• Dowry Prohibition Act — Section 4 (Penalty for demanding dowry)
• BNS Section 80 (Dowry death)