Dowry System in Nepal: Laws, Penalties, and Social Impact Explained

The dowry system in Nepal is a harmful cultural practice that involves the transfer of money, property, or valuable gifts from the bride's family to the groom's family during marriage. Originally intended as a form of security for women, this system has transformed into a social evil that perpetuates gender discrimination and violence against women. Dowry is not just a financial transaction; it is a deep-rooted tradition that places economic pressure on the bride's family and treats women as commodities rather than human beings with equal rights.

The dowry system is especially prevalent in the southern Terai and Madhesh regions of Nepal, where it is commonly believed that higher dowry amounts increase family prestige. This belief has led to numerous cases of forced marriages, domestic abuse, and even dowry-related deaths when the bride's family cannot fulfill dowry demands. Families sometimes go into extreme debt to provide dowries, pushing them into long-term poverty. Additionally, women who cannot meet dowry expectations often face psychological, emotional, and physical violence from their in-laws and society.

Nepal is a country rich in history, with a unique heritage that dates back thousands of years. Historically, Nepal was a collection of small kingdoms and principalities. The early recorded history of Nepal begins with the Licchavi period (circa 400–750 AD), which was a time of significant cultural, political, and religious development. The Licchavis promoted Hinduism and Buddhism and built many temples and monuments that are still visible in the Kathmandu Valley today.

Following the Licchavis, the Malla period (12th to 18th century) saw the flourishing of art, architecture, and the development of Nepalese culture. The Malla kings built magnificent palaces, temples, and city squares like those in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan, which remain UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Malla era is also known for the promotion of festivals, traditional music, and the development of the unique Newar culture. In the mid-18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah unified Nepal, bringing together many small, independent states and laying the foundation for modern Nepal. His vision of a unified kingdom helped preserve Nepal’s independence even during the rise of British colonialism in neighboring India. Nepal maintained its sovereignty throughout the colonial period but was heavily influenced by the Rana regime (1846–1951), an autocratic family rule that isolated Nepal from the outside world while preserving its internal traditional structures. In 1951, Nepal transitioned to democracy, and after several political struggles, it abolished its monarchy in 2008, declaring itself a Federal Democratic Republic. The country's history is marked by its resilience in preserving its independence, cultural traditions, and religious diversity.

Nepal’s cultural context is shaped by its remarkable diversity in geography, ethnicity, language, and religion. Home to over 125 ethnic groups and more than 123 languages, Nepal presents a colorful and harmonious society. It is a secular nation where Hinduism and Buddhism dominate, often blending together in rituals and daily life. As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Nepal holds global religious significance. The country is ethnically diverse, with communities like Newars, Gurungs, Sherpas, and Tharus, each preserving unique customs, languages, and festivals. Known as the land of festivals, Nepal celebrates major events like Dashain, Tihar, Buddha Jayanti, Holi, Teej, and Chhath, which foster social unity and cultural pride. Nepalese art, music, and architecture are rich in religious symbolism, featuring pagoda temples, paubha paintings, folk songs, and cultural dances like the Lakhey. Traditionally, Nepalese society is family-centered and hierarchical, but modern influences are gradually reshaping traditional norms and challenging outdated practices like dowry and caste discrimination.

Legal provision relating to dowry.

The law strictly prohibits demanding or giving dowry or any kind of property as a condition for marriage. This provision is designed to combat the dowry system, which is a deeply rooted social problem in Nepal.

Muluki Penal code section 174 deals with Prohibition of transacting property in marriage

1. Prohibition of Dowry in Marriage

The law strictly prohibits arranging or concluding a marriage on the basis of demanding or giving dowry or any form of property. This provision is meant to directly target and eliminate the dowry system, which has been a long-standing social issue in Nepal. Dowry demands often place financial and emotional burdens on the bride’s family, leading to social injustice and even domestic violence. The law, however, allows for small customary gifts, reasonable monetary donations, or a single set of jewelry traditionally worn by the bride as part of cultural norms. These minor customary exchanges are permitted as long as they are not made a condition of marriage. This legal step is essential in ensuring that marriages are based on mutual consent and not material exchange.

2. Punishment for Taking or Demanding Dowry During Marriage

If anyone demands or accepts dowry or any type of property as a condition for marriage, they are committing a punishable offense under the law. The legal consequences include a prison sentence of up to three years, a monetary fine up to NPR 30,000, or both. This penalty serves as a strong deterrent against those who try to commercialize marriage and exploit the bride’s family for financial gain. By imposing legal punishment, the law seeks to discourage the practice and promote marriage as a bond of mutual respect and not a financial transaction.

3. Prohibition of Demanding Dowry After Marriage

The law also clearly states that the demand for dowry is prohibited even after the marriage has taken place. Often, dowry-related pressures and harassment continue post-marriage, leading to mental, emotional, and even physical abuse of brides. To prevent this, the law makes it illegal for anyone to request dowry or to harass the bride or her family for not fulfilling dowry expectations after marriage. This provision is crucial in protecting women from prolonged suffering and ensuring their right to a dignified life within their marital home.

4. Punishment for Harassment Over Dowry After Marriage

If anyone is found harassing, mistreating, or mentally torturing the bride or her family over dowry demands after marriage, the punishment is more severe. Offenders may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine up to NPR 50,000, or both. The law recognizes that post-marriage dowry harassment can have devastating impacts on women’s mental health, family relations, and even their safety. By enforcing stricter penalties, the law aims to provide stronger protection to brides and deter such abusive practices.

5. Return of Dowry

If any dowry or property has been unlawfully taken, it must be returned to the person from whom it was received. This provision ensures that families who were forced to give dowry can legally reclaim their property. It reinforces the principle that dowry transactions are illegal and invalid, and provides a path for victims to seek justice and recover what was taken from them under pressure or social obligation.

The dowry system in Nepal remains a deeply rooted social problem that continues to harm women and their families. Although it originated as a form of security for women, it has now become a source of gender-based discrimination, financial burden, domestic violence, and even dowry-related deaths. This harmful tradition, especially prevalent in the southern Terai and Madhesh regions, forces families into debt and poverty, treating women as economic liabilities rather than individuals with rights and dignity. Despite Nepal’s rich cultural history and diversity, harmful practices like dowry persist. However, the legal framework in Nepal, particularly Section 174 of the Muluki Penal Code, strongly prohibits dowry transactions before and after marriage and imposes severe punishments, including imprisonment and fines. These legal measures aim to protect women from harassment, exploitation, and social injustice. Effective implementation of these laws, along with continuous public awareness, is essential to fully eradicate the dowry system and promote equality and respect in Nepalese society.