Supreme Court Says Muslim Woman Owns All Gold, Cash and Gifts Given at Marriage; Slams Calcutta HC Order

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has given a very important decision regarding the rights of Muslim women after divorce. The court said that all property given to a woman or her husband at the time of marriage—be it gold, cash, jewellery or household items—will be considered the woman's property, and it is her right to get it back after divorce.

This decision has come on a case in which the Calcutta High Court had refused to return the household items to the wife. The Supreme Court not only called the High Court's decision wrong but also said that it was against both women's rights and the sense of justice.

What will be considered a woman's property?

The court made it clear that whatever items were given by both the families on the occasion of marriage –
• Gold and silver,
• cash,
• Clothes-jewellery,
• Furniture and household items,
• or other gifts —
All these are personal property of the woman. After divorce the husband does not have the right to keep them.

Why did SC reprimand?

The Calcutta High Court had earlier said that “household goods” given in marriage cannot be returned to the woman. The Supreme Court considered it completely wrong and said that this decision hurts the principles of dignity and equality of women.

Big message from the court—women's rights do not end even after divorce

The Supreme Court also said that divorced Muslim women are entitled to their property in the same way as women of any other religion. This decision strengthens the economic rights of women and ensures that they do not struggle for their own things after divorce.

What will be the effect of the decision?

This decision will provide great support to those women across the country who make rounds of courts for years to get their things after divorce. This stance of the Supreme Court gives a clear message that no matter what the personal laws are, the dignity of women and their rights cannot be compromised. This is being considered as a strong step towards economic security and equality for Muslim women.