SC rules gifts, jewellery exclusive property of bride

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Jun, 2026) The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that gold jewellery, bridal gifts and other presents received by a bride at the time of marriage are her exclusive personal property, and that neither her husband nor her in-laws have any legal or proprietary claim over them.

The Court held that retaining or withholding such property amounts to unlawfully depriving the bride of her lawful ownership rights.

According to the detailed judgment approved for reporting, a three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi and comprising Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shakeel Ahmad delivered the verdict. The detailed judgment was authored by Justice Shakeel Ahmad.

The Supreme Court held that gold, jewellery and bridal gifts presented to a bride by her parents, relatives or friends are to be regarded as her exclusive property.

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It observed that ownership of a gift is determined by the intention of the donor and the purpose for which the gift was made.

The Court further clarified that neither the husband nor members of his family are entitled to take possession of, retain or make unauthorized use of the bride's jewellery or other personal gifts.

The judgment also held that if a wife seeks the return of her jewellery, dowry articles or other personal belongings, she may approach the Family Court, which has full legal jurisdiction to hear and decide such claims.

Dismissing the husband's appeal, the Supreme Court upheld the judgment of the Lahore High Court and reaffirmed the legal principle that jewellery and gifts presented to a bride on the occasion of her marriage remain her exclusive personal property.