(1) If any person, after the commencement of this Act, gives or takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, and with fine which shall not be less than fifteen thousand rupees or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more:
Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than five years.

(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to, or in relation to,–
(a) presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bride (without any demand having been made in that behalf):
Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the rules made under this Act;
(b) presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bridegroom (without any demand having been made in that behalf):

Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with the rules made under this Act:
Provided further that where such presents are made by or on behalf of the bride or any person related to the bride, such presents are of a customary nature and the value thereof is not excessive having regard to the financial status of the person by whom, or on whose behalf, such presents are given.

Bullet Points on Section 3 of Dowry Prohibition Act:

• Post-commencement of the Act, giving, taking, or abetting dowry is punishable.
• The penalty includes imprisonment for a minimum of five years and a fine, either 15,000 rupees or the dowry’s value, whichever is higher.
• Court can reduce the imprisonment term for valid reasons.
• Exceptions include presents given during a wedding to the bride or bridegroom without prior demand if listed as per rules.
• Customary nature and reasonable value are required for presents made by or on behalf of the bride or her relatives.