Section 3 — Penalty for giving or taking dowry.

3. Penalty for giving or taking dowry.—
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[(1)] If any person, after the commencement of this Act, 

gives or takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable 
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[with imprisonment for a 

term which shall not be less than 
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[five years, and with fine which shall not be less than fifteen thousand 

rupees or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more]: 

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose 

a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than 
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[five years].] 

 
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[(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to, or in relation to,— 

(a) presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bride (without any demand having 

been made in that behalf): 

Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the rules made 

under this Act; 

(b) presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bridegroom (without any demand 

having been made in that behalf): 

Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the rules made 

under this Act: 

                                                           
1. 1st July, 1961, vide notification No. S.O. 1410, dated 20th June, 1961, see Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, sec. 3(ii). 

2. Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, s. 2, for “or after the marriage” (w.e.f. 19-11-1986). 

3. Subs. by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1985). 

4. The Explanation I omitted by s. 2, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-10-1985). 

5. Section 3 renumbered as sub-section (1) of that section by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-10-1985). 

6. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1985). 

7. Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, s. 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 19-11-1986). 

8. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for “six months” (w.e.f. 19-11-1986). 

9. Ins. by Act 63 of 1984, s. 3 (w.e.f. 2-10-1985). 



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Provided further that where such presents are made by or on behalf of the bride or any person 

related to the bride, such presents are of a customary nature and the value thereof is not excessive 

having regard to the financial status of the person by whom, or on whose behalf, such presents are 

given.]