Stree Dhan: Mine or Ours

In a recent case, the Supreme Court of India awarded Rs. 25 Lakhs to the wife on account of the misappropriation of "Streedhan" by the in-laws which were originally brought by her.

Firstly, what Stree-Dhan exactly means

The term Streedhan, as its name implies, is created by combining two words: "Dhan" which means wealth, and "Stree," which means Woman. Thus, Streedhan represents a woman's wealth. Hindu law defines Streedhan as all that a Hindu woman obtains throughout her lifetime. It covers all assets, both moveable and immovable, that a woman receives as a gift before marriage, during the vows, after marriage, during delivery of her children, and during her widowhood. Remember that a dowry is not the same as a Streedhan.

As per Section 14 of Hindu Succession Act read with Section 27 of the Hindu Marriage Act, a Woman has absolute ownership over her Streedhan including properties purchased/acquired by using her Streedhan even if it is placed in the custody of her husband or in-laws.

In the landmark case of Pratibha Rani Vs. Suraj Kumar, Hon'ble Supreme Court of India constitutes the following as Streedhan :

• Gifts made before the nuptial fire;
• Gifts made at the bridal procession;
• Gifts made in token of love;
• Gifts made by the father of the bride;
• Gifts made by the mother of the bride;
• Gifts made by the brother of the bride.

Streedhan Vs. Dowry

Many times, people get confused between Streedhan and dowry.

Dowry means any properties or valuables agreed to be given directly or indirectly by the bride's family to the Groom's in the event of marriage. While the properties covered under Streedhan are given to the bride out of love and affection, Dowry is considered to be given “not voluntarily”. By the way, did you know the act of giving Dowry is ILLEGAL ??

How “Streedhan” can be helpful to Women

1. Empowering woman
2. Financial support and growth
3. Succession Planning
4. Legal battles in case of separation
5. Supporting elderly parents

Most Important points

• A Woman has absolute ownership of her “Streedhan”
• No husband or in-laws become co-owners of her Streedhan even if they have the properties.
• The husband and in-laws are bound to return/compensate if the woman demands her Streedhan back

Keeping a record of gifts received, especially those with greater value like jewelry, decorations, real estate, cars, etc., is a harmless practice that a Hindu woman may engage in. It is always advisable to maintain supporting documents of the gifts received that can come in handy in longer terms.

Do you keep records of the gifts you have received earlier ??? Let us know in the comments.

• Yog

Reference caselaw :

Maya G Vs. Anoop SB (Supreme Court of India) | Pratibha Rani Vs. Suraj Kumar (Supreme Court of India)