Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) addresses the crime of dowry death. It applies when a woman dies due to burns, bodily injuries, or under unnatural circumstances within seven years of marriage, and it is proven that she was subjected to cruelty or harassment by her husband or his relatives for dowry demands.
In such cases, the husband or relatives responsible are presumed to have caused her death. The term “dowry” is as defined under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
Punishment:
Anyone found guilty of causing dowry death shall be punished with imprisonment for not less than seven years, which may extend to life imprisonment.
How It Protects:
This section acts as a deterrent to dowry-related harassment and ensures justice for victims of dowry deaths. It empowers the legal system to hold perpetrators accountable and discourages dowry practices.
Example:
If a woman dies under unnatural circumstances and there is evidence that her husband or in-laws harassed her for dowry, they can be prosecuted under this section.
