Ghaziabad: A video allegedly from Ghaziabad has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage over the continued practice of dowry in India despite it being illegal for over six decades.

In the clip, a man can be heard publicly listing the dowry reportedly given to a groom’s family by the bride’s side, which included “1 BMW, ₹1 crore, ₹1 lakh, and ₹11,000 in cash”. The announcement, made in front of a gathering at what appears to be a wedding-related event, was met with visible approval from those present, further fuelling criticism online after the video surfaced.

The footage was widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter), where it quickly gained traction, amassing over 130,000 views within a short span. The accompanying post condemned the apparent celebration of dowry, describing it as a social evil contributing to the erosion of ethical norms in marriage traditions.

Reactions online were sharply critical, with many users expressing anger and disbelief that such practices are still being openly displayed. Some questioned how dowry exchanges continue despite clear legal prohibitions, while others called for stricter enforcement of existing laws.

Dowry has been prohibited under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, which makes both giving and receiving dowry a punishable offence in India. Offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, along with fines.

The incident has reignited debate over the gap between legislation and social practice, with many arguing that enforcement remains weak and cultural acceptance of dowry persists in parts of society, despite long-standing legal and social campaigns against it.