Jaipur BSF Constable Rejects ₹11 Lakh Dowry, Says ‘Bride More Valuable Than Money’

Even though the Indian Penal Code states that dowry is a punishable offence with a minimum 7 years of imprisonment, it is still practised in various parts of the country. Earlier this year, a case in Kerala had been recorded where a woman was starved until she looked like a ‘bag of bones’ because she was unable to pay the required amount. However, while the evil practice still prevails, it is good to see people standing up against it.

According to a report by TOI, a BFS constable from Jaipur refused Rs. 11 Lakh dowry by his in-laws on the day of his marriage. Instead, he accepted Rs. 11 and a coconut as a token from the bride’s parents.

The groom, Jitendra Singh, was happy that his bride was an LLB and LLM graduate and was pursuing her PhD. The day he got to know about her academic pursuits, he decided that he would say a strict no to dowry. He thought of declaring this on the day of the wedding.

The 59-year-old father of the bride thought that the groom’s side was unhappy with the arrangements. However, he was brought to tears when the groom rejected the dowry.

“Chanchal (the bride) is preparing for Rajasthan Judicial Services and if she becomes a magistrate, this would be more valuable for our family than money,” the groom said.

People like him make society a better place. Say no to dowry!