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, any movable or immovable property, dowry or any transacting from the bridegroom or the bride’s side, except such ordinary gift, donation, money or one set of jewellery worn on the body as has been practised in his or her custom.

2)  A person who commits the offence referred to in sub-section (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 sub-section (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.