The Supreme Court of India has labeled dowry a "cross-cultural evil" affecting all religions. The court condemned the long-held social practice where daughters are married into "higher status families," calling it costly to women's rights. In a recent case, a 20-year-old girl died because her parents couldn't afford dowry demands including a colour TV, motorcycle, and ₹15,000. The Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N.K. Singh said, "she was apparently only worth that much" to her in-laws. Justice Karol explained dowry's roots in caste, kinship, and patriarchal norms. "Hypergamy is both a social strategy and a religiously sanctioned norm," he observed. He noted dowry continues despite the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, as it is disguised as "gifts" and "social expectations." The Court emphasized dowry violates India's Constitution, especially Article 14 which ensures equality. It directly damages women by turning them into financial burdens. The judgment also highlighted an alarming trend in Muslim urban families where dowry is replacing mehr, hurting women’s economic rights and increasing their vulnerability. "This undermines the original Islamic intention of empowering women," said Justice Karol. The Supreme Court called on states and the Union government to revise educational curricula to teach marriage equality and reject dowry customs. It ordered prompt appointment and public availability of Dowry Prohibition Officers. Police and judiciary must receive regular training and sensitisation on dowry cases. State High Courts were asked to review pending dowry cases and speed up justice. The judgment copy will be sent to all High Courts to strengthen efforts against this deep-rooted evil. Published - December 24, 2025, 10:05 pm IST