The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that gold jewelry and gifts presented to a bride at the time of marriage are her exclusive personal property, reinforcing women’s ownership rights under the law.
In its judgment, the apex court stated that the husband, in-laws, or any other person has no legal or ownership claim over the bride’s jewelry or gifts received from her parents, relatives, or friends.
The court held that withholding a bride’s jewelry or personal belongings amounts to an unlawful deprivation of her property rights.
The ruling further clarified that ownership of a gift depends on the intention with which it was given. It emphasized that the husband or his family cannot retain, use, or claim ownership of the bride’s jewelry or personal belongings without her consent.
The Supreme Court also confirmed that Family Courts have full jurisdiction to hear cases involving the recovery of bridal jewelry, dowry, and other personal property.
Women can seek legal remedies through Family Courts to recover their belongings.
The verdict was issued by a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi. Justice Shakeel Ahmed authored the judgment, while the court dismissed the husband’s appeal and upheld the Lahore High Court’s earlier decision in favor of the bride.
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