Dowry Prohibition Act — Section 3

3. Penalty for giving or taking dowry.—5[(1)] If any person, after the commencement of this Act, gives or takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable 6[with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than 7[five years, and with fine which shall not be less than fifteen thousand rupees or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more]:

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose

a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than 8[five years].]

9[(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to, or in relation to,—

(a) presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bride (without any demand having

been made in that behalf):

Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the rules made

under this Act;

(b) presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bridegroom (without any demand

having been made in that behalf):

Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the rules made

under this Act: