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Abdul Azeem
LLB (Hons) LLM
Dowry System in Pakistan
Dowry is a payment made in cash or kind by a bride’s family to the groom’s family upon marriage. It may include money, jewelry, furniture, appliances, land, cattle, and other gifts. Sometimes, the main reason behind this could be a personal benefit, when a huge demand for money and expensive gifts is made by the groom (or his family) from the bride and her family.
The dowry system is a social evil that has been prevalent in Pakistani society for many years. It is the practice of giving away money or property from the bride’s family to the groom’s family at the time of marriage. This practice is often seen as a way of ensuring that the groom will take care of his wife and provide for her needs. But, in all reality, it’s a social evil.
Dowry System – The Effects, the Horrors.
The dowry system can have several negative effects on Pakistani society. Firstly, it can lead to financial problems for the families involved. The bride’s family may feel pressure to give a large dowry to secure a good match for their daughter. This can put them into debt or force them to sell off valuable assets.
Secondly, the dowry system can encourage greed and materialism. Families may be tempted to give away more money or property than they can afford to gain social status. There is no evidence to suggest dowry is required in religion (from the bride to the groom).
This can lead to corruption and social unrest. Moreover, the dowry system reinforces gender discrimination, as it is usually only demanded from the bride’s family, not the groom’s. The dowry system also results in several other problems for women in Pakistan. One of the most significant problems is the fact that it often leads to domestic violence.
Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, 1976
The Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, of 1976, was enacted to combat the menace of dowry. The Act extends to the whole of Pakistan.
Restriction on Presents: ” No person shall give to either party to the marriage and present the value of which exceeds one hundred rupees: Provided that the limit of one hundred rupees shall not apply to the presents given to the bridegroom by the parents of the bride under sub-section (1) of section 3″
Vesting of dowry, etc., in the bride: “All property given as dowry or bridal gifts and all property given to the bride as a present shall vest absolutely in the bride and her interest in property however derived shall hereafter not be restrictive, conditional or limited.”
Expenditure on marriage: “The total expenditure on a marriage, excluding the value of dowry, bridal gifts and presents, but including the expenses on mehndi, Barat and valima, incurred by or on behalf of either party to the marriage shall not exceed two thousand and five hundred rupees. 7. Display of dowry, etc.- The parents of each party to a marriage shall, at the time of rukhsati, display all items of dowry, bridal gifts, and presents given or received in connection with the marriage so as to be visible to the persons attending the rukhsati.”
Penalty: “Whoever, contravenes or fails to comply with, any provision of this Act or the rules made thereunder, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both, and the dowry, bridal gifts or presents given or accepted in contravention of the provisions of this Act shall be forfeited to the Federal Government to be utilized for the marriage of poor girls.”
Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) (Amendment) Bill 2020
The Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) (Amendment) Bill 2020 amends the Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act, of 1976.
The Bill increases the value of dowry and bridal gifts that can be given without attracting the provisions of the Act. The limit on the value of the dowry is increased from Rs. 5,000 to four Tolas of gold (Rs. 470,000). The limit on the value of bridal gifts is increased from Rs. 100 to 1,000. Further, the Bill bans the display of bridal gifts.
How to Address the Problem
The tradition of giving a dowry at the time of marriage is most common in cultures where women have little power or authority. In Pakistan, the dowry is often used as a way to control the bride’s family. If the dowry is not paid, the bride’s family may be forced to give up their daughter. It reinforces gender discrimination and puts a financial burden on families, particularly when the bride is from a poor background. It’s important that we address the problem and put this evil behind us.
There are several ways in which the problem of the dowry system can be addressed in Pakistan. One of the most important ways is to change the social mindset that leads to its existence. There needs to be a shift in the way that women are viewed in Pakistani society. Women need to be given equal rights and opportunities as men.
Another way to address the dowry system is to improve the economic status of women in Pakistan. This can be done by ensuring that women have access to education and gainful employment. If women are economically independent, they will be less likely to depend on their husbands for financial support.
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