Section 3(1)

(1)] If any person, after the commencement of this Act, gives or takes or abets the giving or taking of dowry , he shall be punishable2[with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than3[five years, and with fine which shall not be less than fifteen thousand rupees or the amount of the value of such dowry, whichever is more]: Provided that the Court may, for adequate and special reasons to be recorded in the judgment, impose a sentence of imprisonment for a term of less than4[five years].] 5[(2) Nothing in sub -section ( 1) shall apply to, or in relation to, -