Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that all gold, jewelry, and bridal gifts presented to a bride at the time of marriage are her exclusive personal property.
The court declared that neither the husband nor his parents or any other in-laws have any legal or ownership rights over such assets.
The four-page verdict was authored by Justice Shakeel Ahmed, who emphasized that any gold, jewelry, or gifts specifically presented to the bride remain solely her property.
The judgment stated that withholding, retaining, or unlawfully using these belongings amounts to depriving the bride of her legal and proprietary rights.
The Supreme Court further clarified that the ownership of any gift should be determined by the intention and purpose for which it was given. If a gift was intended for the bride, it legally belongs only to her, regardless of who may currently possess it.
The ruling reinforces the legal principle that ownership is based on the donor’s intention rather than subsequent possession or claims by family members.
The court also mentioned the legal remedies available to women in such cases. It stated that if a wife is denied the return of her jewelry, dowry articles, or other personal belongings, she has the right to approach the Family Court for their recovery.
The judgment reaffirmed that Family Courts have full legal jurisdiction to hear and decide disputes involving the return of bridal gifts, dowry, and other personal property.
The ruling came while dismissing an appeal filed by former husband Ghulam Habib against Shazia Bibi. The Supreme Court upheld the earlier decision of the Lahore High Court, thereby affirming the legal position that no individual other than the bride can claim ownership of jewelry, gold, or gifts presented to her at the time of marriage.
