Crimes registered under dowry-related laws saw a sharp 14 percent increase in 2023, with the country recording over 15,000 cases and more than 6,100 deaths during the year, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

The NCRB's 'Crime in India 2023' report highlights a concerning trend, showing 15489 cases registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act last year. This marks a significant jump from 13,479 cases recorded in 2022 and 13,568 in 2021.

A total of 6,156 people lost their lives in dowry death cases across the country in 2023. The report further noted that dowry was listed as the motive in 833 murder cases.

State-Wise Breakdown and Enforcement Data

The report detailed significant geographical disparities in the reported incidents:

Highest Cases: Uttar Pradesh accounted for the overwhelming majority of cases under the Act, registering 7,151, followed by Bihar with 3,665, and Karnataka with 2,322.

Highest Deaths: Uttar Pradesh also topped the chart for fatalities, reporting 2,122 dowry deaths, followed by Bihar with 1,143 deaths.

Conversely, 13 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Goa, Ladakh, and Sikkim, reported zero cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act during the year.

The report also provided data on legal action, stating that 83,327 dowry cases were up for trial in 2023. In terms of arrests, a total of 27,154 people were apprehended under the Act, comprising 22,316 men and 4,838 women.