Kerala High Court Upholds Order Directing Husband to Return Wife’s Gold Ornaments

The Kerala High Court dismissed a husband’s appeal against a Family Court order directing him to return 40 sovereigns of his wife’s gold ornaments and pay maintenance.

The Court said it is common knowledge that after marriage, a bride’s gold is often entrusted to the husband or his relatives for safekeeping.

It found the wife’s version consistent and more probable, noting that the husband had not seriously disputed the quantity of gold given at the time of marriage.

The Court upheld the maintenance award but exonerated the husband’s mother from liability, finding no specific grounds to fasten responsibility on her.

[Nishad & Anr. v. Mumthaz Beegum & Connected Cases]