New Delhi, May 09: Women could soon get lifetime protection under the Dowry Prohibition Act with the government considering a proposal to extend its applicability beyond seven years of marriage.

The National Commission for Women (NCW), which has reviewed the Act, has sent a slew of recommendations including removal of the 7-year limit to the Women and Child Development Ministry.

It also includes extending the definition of 'streedhan' to include all gifts exchanged during the wedding.

The law in its present form is applicable if a woman dies under mysterious circumstances within seven years of marriage.

"We have drafted the recommendations after a series of workshops. We have come across instances where a woman has been harassed for dowry even 20 years after marriage," NCW Chairperson Girija Vyas told reporters.

Under the act, the accused have to prove their innocence rather than the prosecution proving they are guilty.

If a woman dies seven years after marriage, the case is tried under the Indian Penal Code and in such a scenario, the prosecution has to prove the guilt.

The Commission has also recommended that the minimum punishment to those found guilty under the act be increased from the present seven years to 10 years extending upto life imprisonment.