With a view to curb dowry-related deaths, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for changes in the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The proposed amendments, which have been sent to the Ministry of Women and Child Development for consideration, range from changing the definition of dowry to imposition of harsher penalty for dowry deaths.

The NCW has proposed that the definition of dowry should be changed to include both moveable and immovable property as well as asking for any favours from the girl’s parents. It also wants the punishment for dowry givers to be reduced on the ground that they are victims of coercion. The Commission has sought a mandatory declaration by all government employees at the time of their wedding, stating that they have not taken any dowry.

There is also a proposal to empower protection officers appointed under the Domestic Violence Act, so that they can file complaints in case of dowry harassment. Advisory boards set up under the Dowry Act should assist the protection officers.

In case of a woman’s death, it has been proposed that her dowry be transferred to her children or parents. As per the existing law, the dowry can be inherited by the children or parents only if the woman dies an unnatural death within seven years of marriage. Otherwise, the dowry is transferred as per the laws of inheritance.

The NCW has also proposed increased punishment for dowry cases, from the existing seven years to 10 years. It has also called for the imposition of death penalty, which is not provided for in the present law.