New Delhi: A Delhi court has ruled that not every article given at the time of marriage qualifies as ‘stridhan’, and dismissed a woman’s application seeking return of her dowry items, including a car, under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act.
Judicial Magistrate Sonika, while passing the order on July 12, said there was no prima facie evidence to establish that all the articles listed by the petitioner were her stridhan, which refers to movable or immovable property received by a woman during her lifetime, either before marriage, at marriage, or during childbirth.
The court observed, “Upon examining the records and attached documents, it cannot be concluded that all items — including the car — were given as stridhan. There is no supporting evidence such as bills, photos, or witness affidavits to establish ownership.”
यह भी पढ़ें: Stridhan: शादी में दिए गए हर उपहार को ‘स्त्रीधन’ नहीं कहा जा सकता: दिल्ली कोर्ट ने महिला की याचिका की खारिज
Further, the court clarified that not all articles exchanged during a marriage ceremony can be legally termed stridhan, as some may fall under the category of general gifts.
Since the trial has not yet commenced, the magistrate said it was premature to pass an order for the return of property based on an unverified list, especially when there is an ongoing dispute over ownership.
The woman was advised that she could pursue the claim during final adjudication, subject to proper evidence being presented to support her plea.
