# Dowry is a crime, not tradition, judge tells students

> A senior judge in Andhra Pradesh calls for wider awareness of the Dowry Prohibition Act among students, warning that treating marriages as financial deals harms society.
- Title: Dowry is a crime, not tradition, judge tells students
- Summary: A senior judge in Andhra Pradesh calls for wider awareness of the Dowry Prohibition Act among students, warning that treating marriages as financial deals…
- Keywords: dowry prohibition act, m.s. bharathi, dlsa, chittoor, andhra pradesh, women's rights, legal awareness, news, politics, Dowry, crime, tradition
- Source: The Hindu — https://thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/dlsa-secretary-calls-for-wider-student-awareness-on-dowry-prohibition-act/article71559882.ece
- Author: The Hindu Bureau
- Published: 2026-10-08T14:08:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dowry prohibition act, m.s. bharathi, dlsa, chittoor, andhra pradesh, women's rights, legal awareness, news, politics
## Judge calls dowry a punishable crime
District Legal Services Authority Secretary M.S. Bharathi told students on Thursday that dowry is a punishable crime, not just a social evil, and urged wider awareness of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.

> punishable crime and not just a social evil
## Giving or taking dowry is illegal
Ms. Bharathi explained that giving, taking or demanding dowry, both directly or indirectly, was illegal. She spoke at a Mission Shakti seminar organised by the Women and Child Welfare Department at S.V. Arts and Science Degree College in Chittoor.
## Dowry harms society and needs action
Explaining the Act's provisions, penalties and safeguards, Ms. Bharathi said that harassment over dowry and treating marriages as financial deals harms society and calls for legal action with social consciousness.
## Education gives women independence
Ms. Bharathi highlighted gender equality, constitutional rights and legal protections, saying respecting women was everyone's duty. She urged girl students to pursue higher education and gain financial independence.

> Education and self-reliance help women take independent decisions
## Harassed women should seek help
Women facing harassment should not remain silent but seek help from the DLSA, Women and Child Welfare Department and Sakhi One Stop Centre, Ms. Bharathi said.
## Key takeaway

District Legal Services Authority Secretary M.S. Bharathi urged students to understand that dowry is illegal and called for wider awareness of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.