Allahabad High Court on the Importance of Keeping Track of Wedding Presents

The Allahabad High Court recently drew attention to a seeming disregard for a regulation outlined in the Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985. This rule mandates couples to maintain a list of wedding gifts they receive, as highlighted in the case of Ankit Singh And 3 Others v. State of UP and Another. Justice Vikram D Chauhan observed that parties involved in cases alleging dowry demands were failing to submit such lists with their petitions.

The single-judge emphasized the need for strict adherence to Section 3(2) of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, to prevent citizens from becoming embroiled in baseless legal disputes.

Here’s the case in brief:

• The court clarified that presents exchanged during marriage are exempted from dowry laws, but they must be listed to prevent future false accusations.
• Both the bride and groom are required to sign the list of presents, according to the court.
• The Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985 were established by the Central Government to address this issue, recognizing gifts as customary in Indian marriages.
• The appointment of dowry prohibition officers is mandated by law to ensure compliance, the court emphasized.
• The state government was questioned about the appointment status of these officers, especially given the rising disputes related to dowry.
• The court demanded disclosure of orders issued for the enforcement of the Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985, including the number and level of appointed officers.
• The state was further instructed to provide information on whether lists of presents are collected by officers during marriages.
• The court sought clarification on any additional rules passed by the state under the Dowry Prohibition Act.
• The next hearing for the case is scheduled for May 23, indicating ongoing judicial scrutiny on dowry-related matters.
• The court’s directives aim to ensure transparency, compliance, and prevention of dowry-related disputes in matrimonial proceedings.

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