The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Act No. 28 of 1961) with
(Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985

An Act to prohibit the giving or taking of dowry, be it enacted by Parliament in the Twelfth Year of the Republic of India as follows:

Short title, extent and commencement:

This Act may be called the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
It extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, appoint.

Definition of `dowry’:

In this act, `dowry’ means any property or valuable security given or agreed to be given either directly or indirectly-

by one party to a marriage to the other party to the marriage; or
by the parents of either party to a marriage or by any other person, to either party to the marriage or to any other person;
at or before or any time after the marriage in connection with the marriage of said parties but does not include dower or mahr in the case of persons to whom the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) applies.

Explanation II -The expression `valuable security’ has the same meaning as in Sec. 30 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).

Penalty for giving or taking dowry:

(1) If any person, after the commencement of this Act, gives or takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than five years, and with the fine which shall not be less than fifteen thousand rupees or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more:
Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than five years.
* * * Explanation I omitted by Sec.2 w.e.f 2nd October, 1985
(2)Nothing in sub-section (1) shall apply to or, in relation to, presents which are given at the time of a marriage to the bride (without nay demand having been made in that behalf):

Provided that such presents are entered in list maintained in accordance with rule made under this Act; presents which are given at the time of marriage to the bridegroom (without any demand having been made in that behalf):

Provided that such presents are entered in a list maintained in accordance with rules made under this Act;

Provided further that where such presents are made by or on behalf of the bride or any person related to the bride, such presents are of a customary nature and the value thereof is not excessive having regard to the financial status of the person by whom, or on whose behalf, such presents are given.
State Amendments
Bihar.-Substitution of new section for Sec. 3 of Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Act 28 of 1961), the following section shall be substituted, namely 7 “3. Penalty for giving or taking dowry: If any person after the commencement of this Act, gives or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
Haryana: Substitution of Sec. 3 of Parliament Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 3 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted 3. Bar of certain acts: No person shall

give, or take or abet the giving or taking of dowry;
demand directly or indirectly, from the parents or guardians of a bride or bridegroom, as the case may be, any dowry
incur marriage expenses the aggregate value whereof exceeds five thousand rupees
display any gifts made at or before the marriage in the form of cash, ornaments, clothes or other articles
take or carry in excess of- (i) twenty-five members of the marriage party ; and (ii) eleven members of the band
deny conjugal right to his wife on the ground that dowry has not been given or the dowry given is insufficient.”

Himachal Pradesh: Substitution of Sec. 3.-For Sec. 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, in its application to the State of Himachal Pradesh the following section shall be substituted, namely 7 “3. Penalty for giving or taking of dowry: If any person gives or abets the giving or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
Punjab: Amendment of Sec. 33 of Central Act 28 of 1961.-In Sec. 3 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, in its application to the State of Punjab (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), for the words “six months or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees”, the words “one year and fine which may extend to five thousand rupees” shall be substituted.
West Bengal: Amendment of Sec. 3 of Act 28 of 1961.-In Sec. 3 of the said Act, for the words “which may extend, to five thousand rupees, the words “shall not be less than two thousand rupees, but may extend to ten thousand rupees” shall be substituted.

4. Penalty for demanding dowry:

If any person demands directly or indirectly, from the parents or other relatives or guardian of a bride or bridegroom as the case may be, any dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to two years and with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees:

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be mentioned in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than six months.
4-A. Ban on advertisement: If any person-
(a) offers, through any advertisement in any newspaper, periodical, journal or through any other media any share in his property or of any money or both as a share in any business or other interest as consideration for the marriage of his son or daughter or any other relative,
(b) prints or publishes or circulates any advertisement referred to Cl. (a), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend to five years , or with fine which may extend to fifteen thousand rupees:

Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than six months.
State Amendments
Bihar: Substitution of new section for Sec. 4 of Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. .4 of said Act the following section shall be substituted, namely: 8
”

“4.Penalty–(l) If any person contravenes any of the provisions of See. 3, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to six months and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
(2) The Court trying an offence under C1. (f) of Sec. 3 relating to conjugal right may, at any stage of the proceedings, on the execution of a bond by the husband undertaking not to demand dowry and to allow conjugal rights to the wife, drop the proceedings.
(3) Any proceedings dropped under sub-section (2) shall revive if the Court is satisfied on an application made by the wife; in this behalf, that the husband has failed to carry out the undertaking or has otherwise acted contrary to the terms of the bond and thereupon the Court shall proceed with the case from the stage at which it was dropped; Provided that no application under this sub-section shall be entered if it is made after the expiry of a period of three years from the date on which proceedings were dropped.
(4) The Court may direct that the fine, if any, imposed for the contravention of Cl. (f) of Sec. 3 or such portion thereof, as the Court may deem proper, shall be paid to the wife.”
Himachal Pradesh: Substitution of Sec. 4.-For Sec. 4 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely : 9

“4. Penalty for demanding dowry.-If any person demands, directly or indirectly, from the parents or guardian of a bride or bridegroom or from any other person, as the case may be, any dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.”

Insertion of Secs. 4-A and 4-B.-After Sec. 4 of the principal Act, the following sections shall be inserted, namely :

“4-A. Bar of certain acts.-Any person who

displays any presents made at the time of marriage in the form of cash, ornaments, clothes or other articles, or
gives in the form of shagun at the time of thakka betrothal or tika anything the value of which exceeds eleven rupees, or
gives to the parents or any other relation of a party to the marriage anything on the occasion of many or any other ceremony performed in relation to betrothal or marriage : shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.

4-B. Penalty for depriving any party of any rights and privileges of marriage.—
(1) If after the marriage, any party to the marriage with or without assistance of any other person deprives the other party of the rights and privileges of marriage or tortures or refuses to maintain the said other party for non- payment of dowry before, during or after marriage, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.
(2) The provisions of this section shall be in addition to and not in derogation of, any provision on the subject contained in any other law for the time being in force.
Punjab: Amendment of Sec. 4 of Central Act 28 of 1961.-In Sec. 4 of the principal Act,-

(a) for the words “six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees”, the words “one year and fine which may extend to five thousand rupees” shall be 10 substituted; and
(b) the proviso shall be omitted. Insertion of new Secs. 4-A and 4-B in Central Act 28 of 1961.-After Sec. 4 of the principal Act, the following sections shall be inserted namely :
“4-A. Bar of certain acts.- Any person who-

displays any presents made at the time of such marriage in the form of cash, ornaments, clothes or other articles
takes in a marriage party more than twenty-five persons exclusive of minors and the members of the band
gives in the form of shogun at the time of thaka, betrothal or marriage, anything the value of which exceeds eleven rupees
gives to the parents or any ‘other relation of a party to the marriage anything on the occasion of many or any other ceremony performed in relation to betrothal or marriage

serves to the marriage party more than two principal meals shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine which may extend to, five thousand rupees or with both. Explanation.-In this section the expression ‘principal meal’ means lunch or dinner.

“4-B. Penalty for depriving any party of rights and privileges of marriage-

Any party to the marriage who, after the marriage, deprives the other party of the rights and privileges of marriage, or tortures or refuses to maintain the said other party, for nonpayment of dowry, and any person who assists such party in the commission of such offence, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year and fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.”
West Bengal: Amendment of Sec. 4.- In Sec. 4 of the said Act,- 11

(a) after the words “bride or bridegroom”, the words “or from any other person” shall be inserted

(b) for the words “which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees”, the words “which shall not be less than three months, but may extend to three years or with fine which shall not be less than two thousand rupees, but may extend to. ten thousand rupees”, shall be substituted

(c) for the proviso, the following provisions shall be substituted, namely “Provided that no Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this section except on a complaint made by the aggrieved party or his parents or by any other person with the previous sanction of the authority specified by the State Government in this behalf:Provided further that no such previous sanction shall be necessary for taking cognizance on a complaint made by such organization for social welfare with a minimum standing of five years as may be specified by the State Government by notification in the official Gazette or by any person duly authorised by such Organisation.”
Insertion of new Sec. 4-A.- After Sec. 4 of the said Act, the following section shall be inserted, namely :

“4-A. Penalty for depriving any party of the rights and privileges of marriage

(1) If after the marriage any party to the marriage with or without assistance of his parents or guardian deprives the other party of the rights and privileges of marriage, or tortures or refuses to maintain the said other party for non-payment of dowry before during or after marriage, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which shall not be less than three months, but may extend to one year or with fine which shall not be less than two thousand rupees, but may extended to five thousand rupees, or with both.
(2) The provisions of this section shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of any provisions on the subject contained in any other law for the time being in forces.

Agreement for giving or taking dowry to be void:

Any agreement for the giving or taking of dowry shall be void.

Dowry to be for the benefit of the wife or heirs:

(1) Where any dowry is received by any person other than the woman in connection with whose marriage it is given, that person shall transfer it to the woman –

if the dowry was received before marriage, within three months after the date of marriage; or

if the dowry was received at the time of or after the marriage within three months after the date of its receipt; or

if the dowry was received when the woman was a minor, within three months after she has attained the age of eighteen years, and pending such
transfer, shall hold it in trust for the benefit of the woman.

(2) If any person fails to transfer any property as required by sub-section (1) within the time limit specified therefore or as required by sub-section (3), he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than six months, but which may extend two years or with fine which shall not be less than five thousand rupees, but which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both.
(3) Where the woman entitled to any property under sub-section (1) dies before receiving it, the heirs of the woman shall be entitled to claim it from the person holding it for the time being:

Provided that where such woman dies within seven years of her marriage, otherwise than due to natural causes, such property shall- if she has no children, be transferred to her parents, or if she has children, be transferred to such children and pending such transfer, be held in trust for such children.
(3-A) Where a person convicted under sub-section (2) for failure to transfer any property as required by sub-section (1)or sub-section (3) has not, before his conviction under that sub-section, transferred such property to the women entitled thereto or, as the case may be, her heirs, parents or children, the Court shall, in addition to awarding punishment under that sub-section, direct, by order in writing, that such person shall transfer the property to such woman, or as the case may be, her heirs, parents or children within such period as may be specified in the order, and if such person fails to comply with the direction within the period so specified, an amount equal to the value of the property may be recovered from him as if it were a fine imposed by such Court and paid to such woman, as the case may be, her heirs, parents or children.
(4)Nothing contained in this section shall affect provisions of Sec. 3 or Sec. 4.
State Amendments
Haryana: Amendment of Sec. 6 of Parliament Act’28 of 1961.-

In sub- section (2) of Sec. 6 of the principal Act, for the words “or with fine which may extend to five thousand 15 rupees, or with both”, the words “and with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees” shall be substituted.
Orissa: Amendment of Sec. 6 of Parliament Act 28 of 1961.

In its application to the State of Orissa, Secs. 6-A and 6-B have been inserted as under:

“6-A. Penalty for denial of conjugal right by the husband:

(l) If any person denies conjugal rights to his wife on the ground that dowry has not been given or on the ground that the dowry given is insufficient, he shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to ten thousand rupees or with both.

(2) The Court trying an offence under this section may, at any stage of the proceedings, on the execution of a bond by the husband undertaking not to realise the dowry or any portion thereof as the case may be, and to allow conjugal rights to the wife, drop the proceedings.
(3) Any proceedings dropped under sub-section (2) shall revive if the Court is satisfied, on an application made in that behalf by the wife that the husband has failed to carry out the undertaking or has otherwise acted contrary to the terms of the bond, and thereupon the Court shall proceed with the case from the stage at which it was dropped: Provided that no application under this sub-section shall be entertained if it is made after the expiry of three years from the date on which the proceedings were dropped.
(4) The Court may direct that the fine, if any, imposed under this section or such portion thereof as the Court deems proper shall be paid to the wife as compensation.
6-B. Maintenance to be paid by husband on his convection
(1) On conviction of a person for an offence under Sec. 6-A the Court trying the offence may, on a claim made by his wife in that behalf within two months from the date of the order of conviction, order such person to make a monthly allowance for the maintenance of his wife at such monthly rate not exceeding five hundred rupees, as the Court deems proper: Provided that no such order shall be made without giving the parties concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard.
(2) In determining the monthly allowance under this section regard shall be had to-

the position and status of the parties;

the reasonable wants of the wife

the value of the wife’s property and any income derived from such property, or from the wife’s own earnings or from any other source and

the amount of compensation awarded under See. 6-A.

(3) The maintenance allowance so ordered shall be a charge on the property, if any, of the husband, whether acquired before or after the date of the
(4) Where a complaint has been filed by the wife for an offence under Sec. 6-A, the husband shall not transfer any of his assets until-

where no claim for maintenance has been preferred under this section, the date of expiry of the period of limitation specified in sub-section (1) for filing such claim; and

where such claim is preferred, the disposal of the claim.

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law, the wife may enforce any claim for maintenance against any property transferred by the husband in contravention of the provisions of sub-section (4) as if such transfer were null and void.

(6) The provisions contained in sub-section (3) of Sec. 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, so far as may be, apply to the recovery of the maintenance allowance ordered under this section”.

Cognizance of offences:

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2of 1974),-

no Court inferior to that of a Metropolitan magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act;

no Court shall take cognizance of an offence under this Act except upon –

(i) its own knowledge or a police report of the facts which constitute such offence, or

(ii) a complaint by the person aggrieved by offence or a parent or other relative of such person, or by any recognized welfare institution or organization:

It shall be lawful for a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class to pass any sentence authorized by this Act on any person convicted of any offence under this Act.

Explanation – For the purposes of this sub-section, “recognized welfare institution or organization” means a social welfare institution or organization recognized in this behalf by the Central or State Government.

(2) Nothing in Chapter XXXVI of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2of 1974), shall apply to any offence punishable under this Act.)

Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, a statement made by the person aggrieved by the offence shall not subject such person to a prosecution under this Act.
State Amendments
Bihar: Substitution of new section for Sec. 7 of Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 7 of the said Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely: “7. Trial of offences. Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act 2 of 1974), no Court inferior to that of a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act.”
Haryana: Substitution of Sec. 7 of Parliament Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 7 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely:

“7. Cognizance of offences.-Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),

no Court inferior to that of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act
no Court shall take cognizance of any such offence except on a – complaint made by any party to the marriage or her father, mother or brother or a gazetted officer specially authorised by the State Government in this behalf, within a period of one year from the 19 date of the marriage

no Court shall take cognizance of any such offence except with the previous sanction of the District Magistrate or of such officer as the State Government may, by general or special order, specify in this behalf

no enquiry shall be got made through any police officer below the rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police

no woman shall be called to a police station for the purpose of an enquiry regarding any offence under this Act.

Himachal Pradesh: Substitution of Sec. 7.-For Sec. 7 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted:

Trial of offences.-3[** * ] Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), no Court inferior to that of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try offence under this Act.

3[***] No Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act, except that of offence under Sec. 4-B, except on a police report or complaint made within one year of the marriage.
Amendment of Sec. 7.-In Sec. 7 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961) (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), the brackets and figure “(1)” at the beginning of sub-section (1) and also sub-section (2) shall be omitted.
Punjab: Substitution of Sec. 7 of Central Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 7 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely:

“7. Cognizance of offences – Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),-

(1) No Court inferior to that of a Judicial Magistrate of the first class shall try any offence under this Act.

(2) No Court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under Secs. 3, 4, and 4-B, except upon a complaint made within one year from the date of the offence by some 20 person aggrieved by the offence provided that:

where such person is under the age of eighteen years, or is an idiot or a lunatic, or is from sickness or infirmity unable to make a complaint, or is a woman who, according to the local customs and manners, ought not to be compelled to appear in public, some other person may, with the leave of the Court, make a complaint on his or her behalf

(b) where the person aggrieved by an offence is the wife, complaint may be made on her behalf by her father, mother, brother, sister, or by her father’s or mother’s, brother’s or sister; and

(3) Every offence under Sec. 4-A shall be cognizable Provided that no police officer below that rank of a Deputy Superintendent of Police shall investigate any offence punishable under this Act or make any arrest therefore.

West Bengal: Amendment of Sec. 7.-In Sec. 7 of the said Act,- (a) for the words and figures “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898), the words and figures “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973” shall be substituted ; (b) for the words “presidency magistrate or a magistrate of the first class” in the two places where they occur, the words “Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judical Magistrate of the first class” shall be substituted ; (c) In Cl. (b) for the words “one year from the date of the offence”, the words “three years from the date of the offence” shall be substituted.

Offences to be congnizable for certain purposes and to be bailable and non-compoundable:

(1) The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974) shall apply to offences under this Act as of they were cognizable offences-

for the purpose of investigation of such offences; and

for the purpose of matters other than-

(i) matters referred to in Sec. 42 of that Code, and

(ii) the arrest of person without a warrant or without an order of a Magistrate.

(2) Every offence under this Act shall be non-bailable and non-compoundable.
8-A. Burden of proof in certain cases: Where any person is prosecuted for taking or abetting the taking of any dowry under Sec. 3, or the demanding of dowry under Sec.4, the burden of proving that he had not committed an offence under those sections shall be on him.
8-B. Dowry Prohibition Officers:

(1) The State Government may appoint as many Dowry Prohibition Officers as it thinks fit and specify the areas in respect of which they shall exercise their jurisdiction and powers under this Act.

(2) Every Dowry Prohibition Officer shall exercise and perform the following powers and functions, namely, –

to see that the provisions of this Act are complied with;

to prevent, as far as possible, the taking or abetting the taking of, of the demanding of, dowry;

to collect such evidence as may be necessary for the prosecution of persons committing offences under the Act; and
to perform such additional functions as may be assigned to him by the State Government, or as may be specified in the rules made under this Act.

(3) The State Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, confer such powers of a police officer as may be specified in the notification, the Dowry Prohibition Officer who shall exercise such powers subject to such limitations and conditions as may be specified by rules made under this Act.
(4) The State Government may, for the purpose of advising and assisting the Dowry Prohibition Officers in the efficient performance of their functions under this Act, appoint an advisory board consisting of not more than five social welfare workers (out of whom at least two shall be women) from the area in respect of which such Dowry Prohibition Officer exercises jurisdiction under sub-section (1).

State Amendments
Bihar: Substitution of new section for Sec. 8 of Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 8 of the said Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely –

“8. Offences to be cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable- Every offence under this Act shall be cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.
Himachal Pradesh: Substitution of Sec. 8.-For Sec. 8 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely : 22
“8. Offences to be-cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable- Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (Act No. 2 of 1974), every offence under this Act shall be cognizable, bailable and non-compoundable.

Substitution of Sec. 8-A.-For Sec. 8-A of the principal Act, the following Sec. 8-A shall be substituted namely:
“8-A. Cognizance of offence – No Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except on a police report under Sec. 173 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), or a complaint made by a person aggrieved by the offence, as the case may be, within one year from the date of the commission of the offence:

Provided that no police officer of the rank lower than that of the Deputy Superintendent of Police shall investigate any case registered under this Act: Provided further that no Court shall take cognizance of any offence under this Act except with the previous sanction of the District Magistrate, having jurisdiction in the area.”
Orissa -Amendment-of Sec. 8 of Parliament Act 28 of 1961.

In Sec. 8 for the words “every offence”, the words “save as otherwise provided, every offence” shall be substituted.
Punjab: Substitution of Sec. 8 of Central Act 28 of 1961.-For Sec. 8 of the principal Act, the following section shall be substituted, namely:
“8. Offences to be bailable and non-compoundable- Every offence under this Act shall be bailable and non-compoundable. After Sec. 8 of the principal Act the following section shall be inserted, namely:
“8-A. Institution of proceedings -No prosecution shall be instituted against any person in respect of any offence committed under this Act without the previous sanction of the District Magistrate or of such officer as the State Government may by special or general order appoint in this behalf.
” 23 [8-A. Burden of proof in certain cases- Where any person is prosecuted for taking or abetting the taking of any dowry under Sec. 3, or the demanding of dowry under Sec. 4, the burden of proving that he had not committed an offence under those sections shall be on him].

THE DOWRY PROHIBITION (MAINTENANCE OF LISTS OF PRESENTS TO THE BRIDE AND BRIDEGROOM) RULES, 1985

G.S.R. 664 (E), dated 19th August, 1985.- In exercise of the powers conferred by Sec.9 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (28 of 1961), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:

Short title and commencement:

(1) These rules may be called the Dowry Prohibition (Maintenance of Lists of Presents to the Bride and Bridegroom) Rules, 1985.

(2) They shall come into force on the 2nd day of October, 1985, being the date appointed for the coming into force of the Dowry Prohibition (Amendment) Act, 1984 (63 of 1984).

Rules in accordance with which lists of presents are to be maintained:

(1) The list of presents which are given at the time of the marriage to the bride shall be maintained by the bride.

(2) The list of present which are given at the time of the marriage to the bridegroom shall be maintained by the bridegroom.

(3) Every list of presents referred to in sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2),-

(a) shall be prepared at the time of the marriage or as soon as possible after the marriage:

(b) shall be in writing;

a brief description of each present;

the approximate value of the present;

the name of the person who has given the present; and

where the person giving the present is related to the bride or bridegroom, a description of such relationship;
shall be signed by both the bride and the bridegroom.

Explanation 1- Where the bride is unable to sign, she may affix her thumb impression in lieu of her signature after having the list read out to her and obtaining the signature on the list, of the person who has so read out the particulars contained in the list.
Explanation 2- Where the bridegroom is unable to sign he may affix his thumb-impression in lieu of his signature after having the list read out to him and obtaining the signature on the list of the person who has so read out the particulars contained in the list.
(4) The bride or the bridegroom may, if she or he so desires, obtain on either or both of the lists referred to in sub-rule (1) or sub-rule (2) the signature or signatures of any relations of the bride or the bridegroom or of any other person or persons present at the time of the marriage.
Read the full act here: http://wcd.nic.in/dowryprohibitionact.htm

http://ncw.nic.in/acts/THEDOWRYPROHIBITIONACT1961.pdf