| ASPECTS | DETAILS |
| Case Title | MAYA GOPINATHAN vs. ANOOP S.B |
| Introduction | Supreme Court reaffirms stridhan as woman’s absolute property, husband has a moral obligation to restore it. |
| Factual Background | Appellant claimed husband misappropriated 89 sovereigns of gold gifted by her family, along with Rs. 2,00,000/-. Disputed in civil court after divorce petition. |
| Legal Issues | Ownership of stridhan, the burden of proof in civil matrimonial cases, the credibility of testimonies, and valuation of assets over time. |
| Applicable Law | Stridhan principles, the standard of proof in civil cases, precedents on matrimonial disputes, and moral obligations in marital relationships. |
| Analysis | The court critiques the High Court’s reliance on criminal trial standards, inconsistencies in findings, and societal factors affecting matrimonial disputes. |
| Conclusion | Supreme Court overturns High Court decision, awards appellant Rs. 25,00,000/- for lost stridhan, emphasizing husband’s moral duty. |
| Current Scenario | Judgment serves as precedent for stridhan disputes, and clarifies evidentiary standards in civil matrimonial cases. |
CASE SUMMARY – The Supreme Court reaffirmed stridhan as the absolute property of a woman, emphasizing the husband’s moral obligation to restore it. The case involved the appellant’s claim of misappropriated gold and cash by her husband, disputed in a civil court after divorce proceedings. Criticizing the High Court’s reliance on criminal trial standards, the Supreme Court overturned its decision, awarding the appellant Rs. 25,00,000/- for the lost stridhan. The judgment sets a precedent for stridhan disputes and clarifies evidentiary standards in civil matrimonial cases.
SOURCE – SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
