Can a Dowry Case Be Filed After 7 Years of Marriage (Complete Guide)

Dowry harassment is a serious issue in India, and the law protects women from cruelty, dowry demands, threats, and misappropriation of property (streedhan). But one of the most commonly asked questions is:

“Can a dowry case be filed after 7 years of marriage

The answer is:
Yes, a dowry case can be filed after 7 years of marriage — but not all types of dowry offences are valid after 7 years.

This blog explains what is allowed, what is not, and which sections apply.

Understanding the 7-Year Rule in Dowry Cases

People often confuse two different legal concepts:

Dowry Harassment (498A IPC)

No time limit — can be filed ANY time during marriage.

Dowry Death (304B IPC)

Must occur within 7 years of marriage.

Let’s break it down clearly.

1. Dowry Harassment Case CAN Be Filed After 7 Years

Sections like:

• 498A IPC (Cruelty)

• 406 IPC (Streedhan)

• Dowry Prohibition Act

do NOT have any time limit linked to the number of years of marriage.

This means a woman can file a case if she is currently facing:

• Harassment for dowry

• Physical violence

• Mental cruelty

• Threats

• Demands for money or valuables

• Streedhan not being returned

• Being thrown out of the house

• Blackmail linked to dowry

• Continuous abuse

Even if the marriage is 10, 15, or 20 years old, the case is legally valid if cruelty or harassment is ongoing.

498A does NOT expire after 7 years.

If cruelty is happening NOW, she can file NOW.

2. Streedhan Case (406 IPC) CAN Be Filed Anytime

Streedhan belongs ONLY to the wife.

If it is:

• Taken away

• Misused

• Not returned

• Withheld

She can file a case under Section 406 IPC, even after 7 years of marriage.

There is no 7-year restriction for streedhan recovery cases.

3. Dowry Death Case CANNOT Be Filed After 7 Years

This is the ONLY situation where the 7-year rule applies.

Section 304B IPC (Dowry Death)

can be used ONLY if:

• The woman dies within 7 years of marriage, AND

• She was harassed for dowry before her death.

If death occurs after 7 years, 304B cannot be applied.
The case will be handled under other IPC sections, not dowry death.

4. Domestic Violence Case CAN Be Filed Any Time

Under the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, a woman can file a complaint for:

• Physical abuse

• Verbal abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Economic abuse

• Threats

There is no 7-year limit.

5. FIR Based on Recent Incidents Is Always Valid

If the harassment happened recently, even after decades of marriage, she can file a case anytime.

Courts focus on:

• Recent cruelty

• Continuing abuse

• Ongoing dowry demands

Not the age of marriage.

When Is a Dowry Case Not Allowed After 7 Years

A case may be dismissed if:

• The complaint is about incidents that happened many years ago

• There is no recent cruelty

• There is no medical proof or witness

• The woman kept silent for many years without reason

• The allegations appear fabricated

• The incident is too old with no evidence

Courts do not accept stale complaints filed only to take revenge.

Key Points Summarised

Conclusion

 A dowry case CAN be filed after 7 years of marriage

— as long as harassment, cruelty, or dowry demands are happening now or continued recently.

 But a Dowry Death Case (304B) cannot be filed after 7 years.

The law focuses on ongoing cruelty and current suffering, not the age of the marriage.

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