If Dowry Is a "Gift," Then Alimony Should Be a "Return Gift
In this video, a man receives ₹2.5 crores in dowry + ₹75 lakhs for a car, and people are justifying it by saying, "The girl will take alimony later."
This is exactly why we need to talk about the double standards in our society.
- Dowry Is Illegal, Alimony Is Legal
Dowry is a forced demand from the bride’s family and is punishable under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and Section 498A IPC.
Alimony is financial support only if the wife is financially dependent after divorce. It is not automatic—courts decide it based on need, not gender.
Yet, people defend an illegal practice (dowry) while calling a legal one (alimony) unfair.
- "She Will Take Alimony Later" Is a Weak Excuse
If a man takes ₹3+ crores in dowry, why is he scared of giving financial support after divorce?
If he is financially stable enough to demand crores before marriage, why does he suddenly act broke when it comes to alimony?
- Misuse of Laws Exists, But That Doesn’t Mean We Ignore Women’s Issues
There is no denying that some women misuse laws—false dowry cases, fake domestic violence claims, and unfair alimony demands do happen. These cases should be punished strictly because they harm both men and genuine victims.
But just because some people misuse laws, does that mean all women should be denied justice?
Do we stop punishing real dowry cases just because some false cases exist?
Do we ignore genuine alimony claims just because some women misuse it?
- Not Every Woman Takes Alimony, But Almost Every Man Takes Dowry
Many women refuse alimony out of self-respect, unlike men who demand dowry before marriage even begins. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, after her divorce from Naga Chaitanya, refused to take even a single rupee as alimony, despite being offered ₹200 crores.
Meanwhile, how many men refuse dowry? Almost none. Dowry is normalized and justified, but when a woman rightfully claims alimony only if she is financially dependent, people suddenly cry foul.
- The Real Hypocrisy
Before marriage: "Dowry is just a gift from the bride’s family."
After divorce: "Why should a man pay alimony? It's unfair!"
If dowry is a "gift," then alimony should be called a "return gift." If a man can take crores at the start of a marriage, then he should be ready to return some of it if the marriage fails.
But the reality? People love dowry because it benefits men, and they hate alimony because it doesn’t.
Final Thoughts
Misuse of laws should be addressed, but genuine problems should not be ignored.
Dowry should stop completely, and alimony should be fair, not gender-biased.
Instead of blaming one gender, let’s fix the real issues: greed, unfair expectations, and misuse of laws on both sides.