THE Supreme Court’s recent ruling that jewellery, bridal gifts and dowry articles given to a bride remain her exclusive property is a welcome reaffirmation of women’s economic rights. By declaring that neither a husband nor his family can lawfully retain such property, the court recognised that these possessions often represent a woman’s financial security. It also made clear that family courts have the authority to order their recovery when they are unlawfully withheld. The judgement is the latest in a series of encouraging decisions in favour of women. Earlier this year, the court ruled that a family court cannot convert a........

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