Answer:
Stridhan refers to the property, assets, gifts, money, jewellery, or valuables that a woman legally owns and has the absolute right to control. It includes gifts received by a woman before, during, or after marriage from her parents, relatives, husband, or others, as well as her personal earnings and belongings. Under Indian law, stridhan remains the exclusive property of the woman, and neither her husband nor his family members have ownership rights over it.
A woman can recover her stridhan if it has been wrongfully withheld by her husband or in-laws. She may take the following legal steps:
Send a Legal Notice:
The woman can issue a legal notice demanding the return of her stridhan and giving the other party an opportunity to return the property.
File a Police Complaint:
If the stridhan is not returned, she can approach the police and file a complaint. Wrongful retention of stridhan may attract criminal liability, including charges related to criminal breach of trust under applicable laws.
Approach the Court:
She can file appropriate legal proceedings before a court seeking recovery of her stridhan. Courts have repeatedly recognized a woman’s right to reclaim her personal property.
Seek Relief Under Domestic Violence Laws:
If the withholding of stridhan is part of domestic abuse or harassment, she may seek protection and recovery orders under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005.
To strengthen her claim, a woman should keep evidence such as photographs, bills, wedding gift lists, bank records, messages, or witness statements proving ownership of the stridhan.
