Dowry Prohibition Act — Section 2

2. Definition of “dowry”.—In this Act, “dowry” means any property or valuable security given or

agreed to be given either directly or indirectly—

(a) by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or

(b) by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the

marriage or to any other person;

at or before 2[or any time after the marriage] 3[in connection with the marriage of the said parties, but does not include] dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies. 4*

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Explanation II.—The expression “valuable security” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the

Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).