Agartala, June 11: Tripura government has tightened dowry prohibition rules with a view to reducing crimes against women in the state, official sources said today. Information and Culture Minister Anil Sarkar told newsmen that the Dowry Prohibition Rules, 2003, will replace the Dowry Prohibition Rules, 1991, the decision for which was taken at a meeting of the council of ministers yesterday.

The present rules have incorporated 18 new subjects to curb the practice of dowry.

The present rule empowers a dowry prohibition officer to visit a marriage ceremony for inquiry after receiving complaint from any person or any organisation to take legal action, Sarkar said.

The dowry prohibition officer can direct police to take penal measures against the concerned persons in dowry related issues, he said.

From now a bride and bridegroom would have to submit a written statement to the dowry prohibition officer within a month of their marriage stating that there was no exchange of dowry, he added.

Bureau Report