SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir recorded 9 cases of dowry deaths in 2023, with trials completed in 9 cases and 1 conviction, translating into a conviction rate (CR) of 11.1 per cent, according to data placed before the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Home Affairs, citing the National Crime Records Bureau.
Year-wise data indicates a fluctuating trend in the Union Territory. In 2021, Jammu & Kashmir reported 16 cases, but no trials were completed and no convictions recorded. In 2022, the number of cases declined to 9, with 3 trials completed but no convictions, while in 2023, although the number of cases remained unchanged at 9, all 9 cases saw trial completion with 1 conviction, marking the first recorded conviction in the three-year period.
At the national level, 6,156 dowry death cases were registered in 2023, with 4,284 cases completing trial and 1,501 resulting in conviction, yielding a conviction rate of 35.0 per cent, significantly higher than that recorded in Jammu Kashmir.
Among major states, Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of cases at 2,122, followed by Bihar with 1,143 cases. Uttar Pradesh also recorded 887 convictions with a conviction rate of 65.3 per cent, while other large states such as Madhya Pradesh (468 cases) and Rajasthan (428 cases) continued to report substantial incidence.
The Ministry clarified that crimes such as dowry deaths fall under the jurisdiction of states, as “Police” and “Public Order” are State subjects under the Constitution, while the Centre supplements efforts through advisories and legal frameworks.
Dowry deaths are prosecuted under Section 80 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (earlier Section 304B IPC), which applies specifically to deaths occurring within seven years of marriage. The government stated that there is no proposal to extend this time limit.
To strengthen enforcement, the Ministry of Home Affairs has advised States and Union Territories to ensure expeditious investigation and trial, appointment of Dowry Prohibition Officers under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, and capacity building of investigators and prosecutors through institutional training programmes.
The data was presented in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha on March 24, 2026.
