2Definition of “dowry”.
Section 2 · The Act · pages 2–3 of the Act
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 before3[or any time after the marriage]4[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.
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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).
State amendment · Haryana
For section 2, 3 and 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), the following sections shall be substituted namely:--
“2. Definitions.---In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires.—
(i) “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 or after the marriage as consideration for the marriage of the said parties, but does not include dower of mahr in the case of person to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies.
Explanation I.—For the removal of doubts it is hereby declared that any presents made at the time of a marriage to either party to the marriage in the form of cash, ornaments, clothes or other articles, shall not be deemed to be dowry within the meaning of this section, unless they are made as consideration for the marriage o the said parties.
Explanation II.—The expression “valuable security” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860);
(i) “marriage expenses” shall includes expenses incureed directly or indirectly at or before the marriage on—
(a) Thakka, Sagai, Tkka, Shagan and MIlni ceremonies;
(b) the gifts made by one party tio a marriage to the other party to the marriage or by the parents, grand-parents and brother or either party to a marriage to either party to the marriage or the blood relations thereof;
[Vide Haryana Act 38 of 1976, s. 2]
3 Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, s. 2, for “or after the marriage” (w.e.f. 19-11-1986).
4 Subs. by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).
5 The Explanation I omitted by Act 63 of 1984, s. 2 (w.e.f. 2-10-1985).