Section 2 — Definition of “dowry”.

2. Definition of “dowry”.—In this Act, “dowry” means any property or valuable security given or 

agreed to be given either directly or indirectly— 

(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or 

(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the 

marriage or to any other person; 

at or before 
2
[or any time after the marriage] 

3
[in connection with the marriage of the said parties, but 

does not include] dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) 

applies. 

4
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Explanation II.—The expression “valuable security” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the 

Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).