Citation

Kulshrestha P, Sharma RK, Dogra TD. Med. Legal Update 2004; 4(1): 5-14.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, R.K. Sharma and Institute of Medico-Legal Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study was carried out between July 1998 and November 2000 to study the dynamics of dowry deaths in South Delhi. A total of 117 cases were studied. Illiterate, issueless Hindu housewives of lower socio-economic class were the worst affected. The most vulnerable age group was 21-25 years. The most common cause of death was burns followed by poisoning. 59% of the total deaths were accidental in nature followed by 30% suicidal deaths. About 23% cases had alleged history of dowry demands, harassment, torture and subsequent death. 57% of the victims died in initial three years of marriage, indicating possible maladjustment and strenuous relationship between husband and wife or that with in-laws. The associations between various social and economic forces have given shape to the phenomenon of dowry demands in India leading to dowry deaths of young girls. In this paper all such variables are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

adolescent; adult; human; domestic violence; suicide; burn; female; India; incidence; autopsy; cause of death; education; intoxication; occupation; strangulation; article; major clinical study; controlled study; gunshot injury; socioeconomics; torture; marriage; human relation; religion; demography; accidental death; Dowry death; Bride burning; income; vulnerable population; And unnatural women deaths