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 before or any time after the marriage 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.

Explanation –The expression “valuable security” has the same meaning as in section 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

Bullet Points on Section 2 of Dowry Prohibition Act:

• Definition of Dowry: Dowry, as defined in this Act, encompasses any property or valuable security given directly or indirectly in the context of marriage.
• Parties Involved: The property or security can be given by one party to the marriage to the other party or by the parents of either party to the marriage or by any other person.
• Timing: Dowry can be given at the time of the marriage or at any point thereafter related to the marriage.
• Exclusions: However, it does not include dower or mahr when the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies to the individuals.
• Valuable Security: The term “valuable security” holds the same meaning as defined in section 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).