Allahabad High Court Stays Dowry & Conversion Charges Against Relatives, Marriage Gifts Not Usually Dowry

The Allahabad High Court granted relief to three relatives accused under the Dowry Prohibition Act and UP’s anti-conversion law following a bride’s suicide after filing for a civil marriage.

The couple had filed affidavits for a civil marriage, with the woman expressing her intent to retain her Hindu faith. After her death, her father alleged dowry demands and pressure to convert to Islam. 

The Court noted that gifts given in marriage are not usually considered dowry and observed that the dowry and conversion claims surfaced 17 days after her death, raising doubts about their timing.

Relief was granted to the groom’s brother, sister, and mother, while charges against the husband remain pending. The State has been asked to respond.