Rising dowry-related deaths in states like Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh have drawn national attention

What are deaths due to dowry?

Dowry deaths involve the murder or suicide of a woman resulting from ongoing abuse or violence related to unfulfilled dowry expectations from her spouse or in-laws. It is acknowledged under Section 304B of the IPC and the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961.

Essential Information and Developments (2017–2022):

According to NCRB data, about 7,000 dowry-related deaths occur each year.

More than 6,100 homicides in India were directly associated with dowry reasons.

Approximately 4,500 cases are filed each year; in 2022, more than 3,000 cases were still being investigated, with 67% unresolved for more than 6 months.

Conviction Rate: Only 100 convictions each year from approximately 6,500 trial cases.

Regional Hotspots: 80% of cases are focused in UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, Odisha, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Haryana.

Urban Distress: Among 19 cities, Delhi was responsible for 30% of dowry-related fatalities.