law: Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961
  3. Penalty for giving or taking dowry.-
  [(Note: Section 3 re-numbered as
  
  sub-section (1) thereof by Act No.63 of 1984, sec.3) (1)] If any
  
  person, after the commencement of this Act, gives or takes or abets the giving
  
  or taking of dowry, he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which
  
  shall not be less than [(Note: Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, Sec.3) five
  
  years, and with fine which shall not be less than fifteen thousand rupees or
  
  the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more:]
  Provided that the Court may, for a adequate and
  
  special reasons to be recorded in he judgment, impose a sentence of
  
  imprisonment of a term of less than [(Note: Subs. by Act 43 of 1986, Sec.3) five
  
  years.]
  (2) [(Note: Ins. by Act 63 of 1984, sec.3) Nothing
  
  is sub section (1) shall apply to, or in relation to, -
  1. Presents which are
  
  given at the time of a marriage to the bride (without any demand having been
  
  made in that behalf).
  2. Presents which are
  
  given at the time of a marriage to the bridegroom (without any demand having
  
  been made in that behalf).
  Provided that such presents are entered in a
  
  list maintained in accordance with the rules made under this Act.
  Provided further that where such presents are
  
  made by or on behalf of the bride or any person related to the bride, such
  
  presents are of a customary nature and the value thereof is not excessive
  
  having regard to the financial status of the person by whom, or on whose
  
  behalf, such presents are given .