The Punjab Dowry Prohibition Rules, 1999
Published vide Punjab Government Notification No. 4/16/89-6SS/3617 dated 28th July 1999
Pu773
Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children (Social Security Branch)
No. 4/16/89-6SS/3617. - In exercise of the powers conferred by the section 10 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Central Act No. 28 of 1961) and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to make the following rules to prohibit the giving or taking of dowry, namely :-
- Short title and commencement.- (1) These rules may be called The Punjab Dowry Prohibition Rules, 1999.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
- Definitions.- In these rules, unless, the context otherwise requires, -
(a) "Act" means the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961;
(b) "Section" means a section of the Act; and
(c) "State Government" means the Government of the State of Punjab in the Department of Social Security and Development of Women and Children.
- The lists of presents 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 lists of presents, 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), as the case may be, shall -
(a) be prepared at the time of the marriage or as soon as possible, after the marriage;
(b) be in writing;
(c) contain, -
(i) a brief description of each present;
(ii) the approximate value of the present;
(iii) the name of the person, who has given the present; and
(iv) where the person, giving the present, is related to the bride or bridegroom as the case may be, a description of such relationship; and
(d) 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 her, 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 shall obtain on either or both the lists referred to in sub-rule (1) of sub-rule (2), as the case may be, signatures of atleast two persons from each side present at the time of the marriage.
- Additional function of Dowry Prohibition Officer.- In addition to the functions conferred under clause (a), (b) and (c) of sub-section (2) of section 8-B of the Act, the Dowry Prohibition Officer shall, -
(i) conduct a preliminary inquiry on the receipt of a complaint in respect of giving or taking of dowry;
(ii) help the complainant in getting the case registered with the Police;
(iii) check and prohibit the display of dowry at the time of marriage; and
(iv) render assistance of the Police in investigating the complaint filed under the Act and the Court in the trial of the case.
- Limitations and conditions of Dowry Prohibitions Officers in performing their functions.- (1) The powers of a Police Officer conferred under sub- section (3) of Section 8-B of the Act on a Dowry Prohibition Officer, shall be exercised by him subject to the limitations and conditions, specified in sub- rule (2).
(2) The Dowry Prohibition Officer while exercising his powers shall not, -
(i) violate the provisions of the Act and rules made thereunder;
(ii) interfere in the day to day functioning of the Police in discharging his duties; and
(iii) violate any other conditions and limitations, as may be imposed by the State Government from time to time.
(3) The Dowry Prohibition Officer shall send a monthly report to the State Government though the Directorate of Social Security and Development of Women and Children, Punjab.
- Interpretation.- If any question arises with respect to the interpretation of these rules, the State Government shall decide the same.
No. 4/16/89/6SS/3620. - In exercise of the powers conferred under sub-section (3) of section 8-B of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 (Central Act No. 28 of 1961) and all other powers enabling him in this behalf, the Governor of Punjab is pleased to confer the powers of the Police Officer to the Dowry Prohibition Officer as under :-
(i) shall conduct a preliminary inquiry on the receipt of a complaint in respect of giving or taking of dowry.
(ii) shall help the complainant in getting the case registered with the Police;
(iii) shall check and prohibit the display of dowry at the time of marriage; and
(iv) shall render assistance to the Police in investigating the complaint filed under the Act and the Court in the trial of the case.
- The above powers are in addition to the powers already conferred under sub-section (2) of section 8-B of the Act ibid.
- The above powers shall, however, be exercised subject to conditions and limitations imposed under rule 5 of the 'The Punjab Dowry, Prohibition Rules, 1999.'