Lucknow, August 26, 2025 – Despite decades of laws and campaigns, dowry-related deaths remain a grim reality in India, claiming thousands of lives each year. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022, the latest available, paints a troubling picture – 6,450 women lost their lives due to dowry-related violence, averaging about 18 deaths every day. These numbers, experts warn, are likely just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported. The persistence of this issue, rooted in deep cultural and social norms, continues to challenge India’s efforts to ensure justice and equality for women.
A Long-Standing Problem
Dowry, traditionally a gift from the bride’s family to the groom’s, has been illegal since the Dowry Prohibition Act of 1961. Yet, it remains a widespread practice, often taking a coercive and deadly form. Dowry deaths typically involve young married women who are murdered or driven to suicide due to harassment over unmet dowry demands. These cases are often brutal, involving burning, poisoning, or hanging, and are frequently preceded by prolonged physical and emotional abuse.
According to NCRB data, between 2017 and 2022, India saw an average of 7,000 dowry deaths annually. While 2022 showed a slight 4.5% decline from 6,843 cases in 2021, the numbers remain alarming. Uttar Pradesh led with 2,218 cases, followed by Bihar (1,057) and Madhya Pradesh (518). Among cities, Delhi accounted for 30% of reported dowry deaths, followed by Kanpur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, and Patna. These figures highlight the widespread nature of the problem, with northern states bearing the heaviest burden.
Recent Tragedies Highlight the Crisis
Recent incidents have brought renewed attention to the issue. In Greater Noida, 26-year-old Nikki Bhati was allegedly set ablaze by her husband and in-laws in August 2025, reportedly over dowry demands. She died en route to the hospital, leaving behind a young son. Days later, in Delhi’s Dwarka, 22-year-old Komal, a pregnant woman, was found dead under suspicious circumstances, with her family alleging dowry harassment. These cases, widely discussed on platforms like X, underscore the brutality of dowry-related violence and the urgent need for action.
Other incidents this year further illustrate the problem. In Aligarh, a woman was tortured with a hot iron before her death, while in Pilibhit, another was burned alive for failing to meet dowry demands. In Tamil Nadu, a young bride took her life just four days after her wedding, reportedly due to relentless harassment from her in-laws. These tragedies, reported across various states, show that dowry violence is not confined to one region but is a national issue.
Challenges in the Justice System
The NCRB data also reveals a troubling gap in delivering justice. In 2022, 60,577 dowry death cases were pending in courts, with 54,416 carried over from previous years. Of the 3,689 cases where trials were completed, only 33% resulted in convictions. This low conviction rate, coupled with long delays in investigations, leaves many families without closure. In some cases, like the 359 dowry deaths closed in 2022 due to insufficient evidence despite valid complaints, justice remains elusive.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) reported that in 2024, 17% of the 25,743 complaints it received were related to dowry harassment, with 292 specifically concerning dowry deaths. These numbers suggest that dowry-related abuse remains a significant driver of violence against women, often intersecting with other forms of gender-based violence like domestic abuse and femicide.
Why Does This Persist?
Experts point to deep-rooted societal factors as the cause. “Dowry is tied to patriarchal norms that view women as property,” says Dr. Anjali, a sociologist studying gender issues. “Families feel pressured to meet demands to secure a ‘good match,’ and when expectations aren’t met, it often leads to violence.” Economic dependence, lack of education, and societal stigma around reporting abuse further trap women in dangerous situations.
The NCRB data also highlights regional disparities. While Uttar Pradesh and Bihar consistently report high numbers, southern states like Karnataka have seen some progress. For example, Karnataka’s dowry deaths dropped from 158 in 2023 to 48 in early 2025, attributed to awareness campaigns and women’s economic empowerment programs. However, even in these regions, the problem persists, with Karnataka still leading southern states in cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act (2,224 in 2022).
Underreporting: A Hidden Crisis
The NCRB figures are widely considered conservative. Many dowry deaths are misreported as suicides or accidents, especially in rural areas where social pressures and lack of oversight are common. “Families often avoid reporting to protect their reputation,” says advocate Meera Gupta, who works with victims of gender-based violence. “Police may also downplay cases or fail to investigate properly, which keeps the numbers artificially low.”
Posts on X reflect public frustration with this underreporting. One user noted that the actual number of dowry deaths is likely much higher than the 6,000-7,000 reported annually, citing the conservative nature of NCRB data. Another pointed out that cultural pressures and fear of stigma prevent many cases from reaching the authorities, leaving countless women without justice.
Government and Societal Responses
The government has taken steps to address the issue. The Dowry Prohibition Act criminalizes giving or demanding dowry, and programs like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aim to empower women and shift societal attitudes. However, enforcement remains weak. In 2022, 13,479 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act, with Uttar Pradesh leading at 4,807 cases. Yet, the gap between reported cases and convictions suggests that laws alone aren’t enough.
Grassroots efforts are also making a difference. Organizations like the Women’s Empowerment Network in Uttar Pradesh run campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of dowry. In some villages, community leaders have started “no-dowry” marriage initiatives, encouraging families to reject the practice. These efforts, while promising, face resistance in areas where dowry is deeply entrenched.
A Call for Change
The persistence of dowry deaths points to the need for broader change. Activists argue for stronger enforcement of existing laws, faster judicial processes, and more support for victims. “We need shelters, legal aid, and counseling for women facing abuse,” says Gupta. “And we need to teach young men and women that marriage isn’t a transaction.”
Looking Ahead
As India grapples with this crisis, the NCRB data serves as a stark reminder of the work left to do. The 6,450 dowry deaths reported in 2022 are not just numbers, they represent lives lost to a practice that should have no place in a modern society. While some regions show signs of progress, the national picture remains grim. Addressing dowry deaths will require a mix of legal reforms, cultural shifts, and community action to break the cycle of violence.
For now, families like Nikki Bhati’s and Komal’s mourn their losses, hoping their tragedies will spark change. As one X user put it, “Every day, 18 women die because of dowry. How many more before we say enough?” The answer lies in collective action, by governments, communities, and individuals, to ensure that no more lives are lost to this outdated and deadly tradition.
