Section 174
Prohibition Of Transacting Property In Marriage
(1) No marriage
shall be concluded, or caused to be concluded, upon having asked
for, or on the condition of receiving or giving of, any type of
movable or immovable property, dowry or any property from the
bridegroom or the bride side, except such ordinary gift, donation,
money or one set of jewelry worn on the body as has been practiced
in his or her custom.
(2) A person who commits the offence referred to in subsection
(1) shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term
not exceeding three years or a fine not exceeding thirty thousand
rupees or both the sentences.
(3) No person shall, after the conclusion of marriage, ask
the bride or her relative for any movable, immovable property or
dowry referred to in sub-section (1), or make, in any way, any
annoyance, harassment or inhuman or degrading treatment to the
bride or her relative for the reason that such movable, immovable
property or dowry has not been given.
(4) A person who commits the offence referred to in subsection
(3) shall be liable to a sentence of imprisonment for a term
not exceeding five years or a fine not exceeding fifty thousand
rupees or both the sentences.
(5) Where any property has been taken as mentioned in
sub-section (1) or (3), such property shall be returned to the
concerned person.