Supreme Court Calls Dowry a Constitutional Evil, Issues Strong Directions to End the Practice
Court says dowry persists under the guise of gifts despite prohibition laws
Centre, states, and courts told to strengthen awareness, education, and enforcement against dowry deaths
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: December 16, 2025:
The Supreme Court of India has issued a landmark ruling declaring that the eradication of dowry is an urgent constitutional and social necessity. Despite the existence of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, the Court observed that dowry continues to thrive in Indian society, often disguised as “gifts” or social expectations.
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A Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh delivered the judgment in State of Uttar Pradesh vs Ajmal Beg (December 2025), directing governments, courts, and authorities to take concrete steps to tackle the menace.
Court’s Observations
- Dowry still rampant: The Court noted that dowry remains widespread, leading to harassment, cruelty, and deaths of women.
- Disguised as gifts: Families often justify dowry as voluntary gifts, but the Court said this is a cover for coercion.
- Ineffective enforcement: Existing laws are either misused or poorly implemented, allowing the practice to persist.
- Constitutional imperative: The Court emphasized that dowry eradication is not just a social goal but a constitutional requirement to uphold equality.
Directions Issued by the Supreme Court
The Court laid down several directives to strengthen the fight against dowry:
- Educational Reforms
- Centre and states must incorporate constitutional values of equality into school and college curricula.
- Students should be taught that marriage is a partnership of equals, not subordination.
- Judicial Action
- High Courts must identify and expedite pending cases under Section 304-B (dowry death) and Section 498-A (cruelty by husband or relatives) of the Indian Penal Code.
- Special focus on long-pending dowry harassment cases to ensure speedy justice.
- Government Responsibility
- States and Union Government must strengthen awareness campaigns against dowry.
- Authorities must ensure strict enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition Act.
- Social Awareness
- Public campaigns should highlight that dowry is illegal and immoral.
- Religious and community leaders should be encouraged to speak against dowry.
Wider Impact of the Judgment
- Legal Strengthening: Reinforces the Dowry Prohibition Act with constitutional backing.
- Social Change: Encourages families to abandon dowry practices disguised as gifts.
- Judicial Efficiency: Pushes courts to clear backlog of dowry-related cases.
- Educational Awareness: Ensures future generations are taught equality in marriage.
Expert Reactions
- Legal Experts: Call the ruling a “watershed moment” in dowry jurisprudence.
- Women’s Rights Activists: Welcome the directions, saying they will empower women and deter harassment.
- Academics: Highlight the importance of education reforms to change mindsets at the grassroots level.
Similar Cases and Context
- The Court has previously stressed that dowry deaths are a blot on society and must be dealt with firmly.
- Despite laws, India continues to report thousands of dowry-related deaths annually.
- This ruling builds on earlier judgments but goes further by linking dowry eradication to constitutional values.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s directions mark a turning point in India’s fight against dowry. By calling it a constitutional evil, the Court has elevated the issue beyond social reform, making it a matter of fundamental rights.
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The ruling sends a clear message: dowry in any form—whether disguised as gifts or social expectations—is illegal, immoral, and unconstitutional. Governments, courts, and society must now work together to ensure that this age-old practice is finally eradicated.
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