Urban Dowry Harassment On Rise: Mumbai, Pune Report Dozens Of Cases Amid Social Pressure And Low Convictions

The social evil of dowry is usually thought to be prevalent in rural areas. However, the police data points to a worrying trend in urban areas like Mumbai and Pune. The issue becomes more pressing, given the recent incident in Pune wherein a political leader’s family allegedly harassed their daughter-in-law, which apparently prompted her to end life. Originally intended as a voluntary gift to the bride from her family, dowry has over time transformed into a harmful demand – often resulting in harassment, abuse and even death.

In Mumbai, 438 cases of dowry harassment were registered in 2024; of which 414 were detected. Between January and April 2025, 163 cases were filed and 130 detected.

Last year, 11 dowry-related suicide cases were lodged in the city and the police detected nine of them. From January to April, five such cases were reported.

In 2024, eight dowry death cases were registered in Mumbai and seven detected. Between January and April, one dowry death case was filed, which has been solved. Similarly, a dowry-related murder was reported, while this year, so far, no such case has been registered.

The Dowry Prohibition Act was enacted in 1961. The purpose of enacting the law was to diminish or prohibit the abhorrent practice. However, the harsh reality is that this evil still exists and it is sadly seen among upper-class and wealthy families.

Activist and Advocate Abha Singh said, “There is a rise in dowry cases because it has become a status symbol. In Pune, during a wedding attended by the deputy CM, a car key was flaunted and handed over to the bride. We must say no to dowry.” She pinned the blame on social media and societal pressure, underlining the “obsession with destination weddings, and hosting five-star celebrations.” Due to these pressures, marriage expenses have increased and people want to show off with swanky cars and lots of gold. That is why dowry cases have suddenly increased, Singh said.

She further said, “Another reason for the rise is the poor conviction rate. Despite hundreds of thousands of women dying due to dowry-related causes, the conviction rate is barely 30%.” This shows that in the majority of cases, the husbands and their families go free because the police either weaken the case due to corruption, there is insufficient evidence or the cases are delayed, leading to witnesses turning hostile, explained the advocate.

It's being also said that the dowry law is being misused, but activists claim that barely 2% of cases are false. “Whatever unpleasant things are happening are due to social apathy. People are remaining silent. We must ensure that strict action is taken not only against those demanding dowry, but also against those giving it,” said Singh.