ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has ruled that bridal gold and jewellery given to a bride at the time of her marriage are her exclusive personal property and cannot be claimed by her husband or his family.
The verdict was issued by a three-member bench headed by the Chief Justice. The court stated that neither the husband nor his relatives have any legal ownership over the bridal gold presented to the bride. It added that refusing to return such jewellery amounts to unlawfully depriving a woman of her property rights.
According to the judgment, a wife has the legal right to approach the Family Court to seek the recovery of her jewellery and other personal belongings. The court also clarified that bridal gold or jewellery gifted by the bride’s parents remains her sole property and cannot be treated as part of the husband’s assets.
The Supreme Court further held that Family Courts have complete authority to hear disputes involving a wife’s personal property, including jewellery and marriage gifts. Therefore, women can legally file claims against their husbands or mothers-in-law to recover such belongings.
The judgment explained that gifts presented specifically for the bride’s personal use belong solely to her. It emphasized that ownership depends on the intention of the person giving the gift, rather than whose name the gift is associated with or who possesses it after marriage.
The court also observed that jewellery and other gifts received by brides often provide women with financial security and independence. It noted that protecting these rights is important under the law and helps safeguard women’s economic interests.
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