Delhi MLAs won't give or take dowry; House passes resolution

New Delhi, Dec 2: The Delhi Assembly today passed by voice-vote a resolution that members of the House will not indulge in exchange of any kind of dowry for wedding of their children and relatives.

Minister of Tourism and Water Kapil Sharma had proposed in the ongoing winter session that the MLAs take an oath to not attend marriages where there is exchange of dowry and to not practise the same in their families.

Delhi Home Minister Satyendra Jain moved a resolution on the same in the House which was passed.

"We are all aware that instances of harassment, physical and mental torture and even death of brides for want of dowry have increased significantly in recent times. As public representatives and members of this August House, it is our moral and social obligation to take all possible steps to curb this menace and social evil of dowry.

"I hereby propose that we as public representatives should attend only those marriages where there is no demand and exchange of dowry. I also urge the government to take steps to encourage, motivate and support those persons who want to promote dowry-free marriages," Mishra said in his statement.

AAP MLAs Alka Lamba and Bhawna Gaur had also voiced their support on Mishra's statement in the House.

"I have myself been a victim of the dowry issue. I was not treated properly at my in-laws' place because I chose not to burden my family with the dowry arrangements. Today, I am proudly living in the society as a single parent and I will not indulge in any such exchange in my son's marriage too," Lamba said.

PTI