Abstract

“Kanyadan” is not complete until the bridegroom is given a “Varadakshina.” The presents given to the daughter on the occasion of marriage by her parents, relations, or friends constituted her “Stridhan.” Both Varadakshina” and “Stridhan” were given out of love and affection. These two aspects got entangled and in due course assumed the frightening name of dowry. Demand for dowry has resulted in cruelty, domestic violence, and death by homicide or suicide. Originally it intended just to give a support and security to new couples that start their married life. But in today’s scenario, women do not understand the ideology behind the money and presents given to her own family and if there is some misunderstanding between the spouse’s, women take the advantage of the laws which is basically to protect their rights in all difficult situation. In general women are misusing the law which is protecting them from social evil of demand of dowry and domestic violence.

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