In 2022, a total of 13,479 cases were registered under the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on December 4. During the same year, 6,450 dowry deaths were reported across the country. Although there was a slight decrease in numbers compared to the previous year—dowry deaths declined by 4.5% and cases under the Dowry Act dropped by 0.6%—the figures remain alarming and reflect the continued presence of this deep-rooted social evil. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of dowry deaths with 2,218 cases, followed by Bihar (1,057) and Madhya Pradesh (518). The state also led in the number of dowry-related cases filed under the Act, with 4,807 cases, followed by Bihar (3,580) and Karnataka (2,224). In the southern states, a total of 442 dowry deaths were reported, with Karnataka leading at 167, followed by Telangana (137), Tamil Nadu (29), and Kerala (11). These states also registered 2,776 cases under the Dowry Prohibition Act, with Karnataka again topping the list. The NCRB data also highlighted that 359 dowry death cases were closed due to lack of evidence, despite the complaints being found valid. In addition, five cases were transferred to other states or investigating agencies, and 4,148 cases resulted in formal charges being filed. It's important to note that NCRB clarifies its report only reflects registered cases, not the actual number of crimes committed, as many incidents may go unreported due to social stigma or family pressure.