Where a woman dies from burns, bodily injury, or otherwise than under normal circumstances within seven years of marriage, and it's shown she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives in connection with a dowry demand shortly before her death, that death is deemed a "dowry death" and the husband or relative concerned is deemed to have caused it.
- The 7-years-of-marriage and "shortly before death" cruelty link are the key legal triggers that bring a death into this specific, presumption-shifting category.
This works together with the Dowry Prohibition Act and creates a legal presumption against the husband/relatives once the dowry-cruelty link shortly before death is shown — an important protective mechanism, not just an ordinary homicide charge.
Related law
The related cruelty offence that often precedes a dowry death
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This is a plain-English summary, not verbatim statutory text. Adhikar is an independent citizen-awareness platform, not a Government of India website. Always verify against the bare Act (legislative.gov.in) or a qualified advocate before relying on this for an actual legal situation.