Doctors in well-off States like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are anecdotally demanding astronomical dowries in the pandemic era. As per a story shared by playback singer Chinmayi Sripada on Twitter, doctors are demanding something Rs 30 Cr to even Rs 50 Cr as dowry. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the figure was much less.

"The pressure that parents put on themselves and so-called educated doctors demanding 50 crores in Dowry (sic)," wrote Chinmayi, putting out screenshots of a female doctor complaining that the quantum of money demanded has almost doubled compared to the pre-pandemic era.

"Apparently dowry gets demanded after wedding cards start getting distributed - because then it is ‘shame if a wedding is called off’. If only girls walked out like in that episode of Made In Heaven (sic)," she wrote.

Many social media users shared stories of men demanding insane amounts as dowry in rich States. "Men are gold-diggers," an angry woman wrote.

On the other hand, there are those arguing that it's a two-way affair. "Who stops women from marrying a regular businessman? When men make demands, it's called dowry. But when women demand 6-digit salaries, what is it called?," a Twitter user asked, suggesting that women are as greedy as men these days.

A Facebook user wrote, "The demand for dowry comes at a later stage. When the parent of a girl approaches the parent of a groom, it is with the intent of knowing how affluent they are. Once the bride's family is convinced that the guy's family is affluent, only then would they be willing to give a dowry. In most cases, the dowry asked is in tune with the wealth of the groom's family."

Everything said, seeking dowry is illegal. Nothing can justify it.

Dowry rates in 2022
Apparently ‘Pre Pandemic’ dowry was less.

The pressure that parents put on themselves and so called educated doctors demanding 50 crores in Dowry.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/fcUY3e9PFP

— Chinmayi Sripaada (@Chinmayi) November 5, 2022