Dowry Has Diffused Into Muslim Marriages, Undermining Mehr’s Protective Role: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court observed that the practice of dowry has increasingly permeated Muslim marriages, eroding the protective purpose of mehr meant to secure a woman’s financial rights.

The Court noted that mehr was envisaged as an enforceable obligation on the husband to ensure dignity and security for the wife, but social practices have diluted its role.

Emphasising the need to restore mehr to its true legal and social function, the Court flagged concerns over gender justice and the growing influence of dowry-like demands across communities.

[State of U.P. v. Ajmal Beg Etc.]