The Supreme Court has issued an important ruling on women’s property rights, declaring that gold jewellery and gifts received by a bride at the time of marriage are her complete personal property.
The court clarified that a husband, mother-in-law, father-in-law or other in-laws have no legal or ownership right over the bride’s jewellery and gifts.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi issued the decision. The judgment was written by Justice Shakeel Ahmed.
The Supreme Court ruled that gold and other gifts given to the bride by her parents, relatives or friends belong only to her. The court said keeping possession of such items or withholding them amounts to depriving a woman of her lawful property rights.
Ownership depends on intention of gift
The court observed that ownership of a gift will be determined according to the intention with which it was given. It said if jewellery or gifts were given to the bride at marriage, they will be considered her personal property.
The Supreme Court also clarified that a wife can approach the family court for the return of jewellery, dowry and personal belongings.
The court said family courts have full jurisdiction to hear such cases and decide claims related to a woman’s personal property.
Husband’s appeal rejected
The Supreme Court rejected the husband’s appeal and upheld the Lahore High Court’s decision.
The ruling is being seen as an important clarification of women’s property rights in marriage-related disputes.
