Last week, three shocking cases reminded India that dowry is still a huge problem. One of them involved a young woman named Twisha Sharma. Her death in Madhya Pradesh has raised many questions, and the Supreme Court of India is now looking into the case on its own.
The other cases, from Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, along with the many dowry deaths reported across India every day, show one painful truth: even educated, successful, and financially secure women are not always safe from cruelty connected to dowry.
Many people think women are empowered today because more girls go to school, college, and have jobs. But these achievements often do not protect women from pressure, harassment, or violence after marriage. Dowry demands can lead to emotional abuse, threats, torture, and even death.
One big problem is that many girls are taught from childhood to “adjust” no matter what happens in their husband’s home. This can become dangerous. Some women are afraid to speak up, and even when they do ask for help, families may ignore their fears.
Dowry has been illegal in India for decades, but it is still common in many places, especially in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh. Researchers have found that in many cases, the truth about dowry harassment comes out only after a woman dies.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 1.2 lakh dowry harassment cases were reported in 2024. This shows that more people are coming forward and using the law. But there are still serious problems. Many cases take years in court, and a large number end without punishment because proving abuse or abetment can be very difficult.
Experts say that today, many dowry-related deaths are reported as “suicides,” much like “bride-burning” cases in the 1980s and 1990s shocked the country. The pressure and cruelty inside families are real, and they affect women from all kinds of economic backgrounds.
The biggest question is this: if a married woman feels unsafe, why is it so hard for her to leave and get help? That question is not just for families. It is also for the police, the courts, and governments.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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