My father in law has kept most of my jewellery that I got during my wedding and he is not returning it to me now when I asked to wear it for family functions

Question

► Most of my jewellery has been kept by my father in law , only few pieces I had kept with me because during I wedding I didn't have a locker. After my wedding I have opened a locker in my father's Sbi bank account and kept my jewellery there. My FIL was keeping the remaining jewellery and now when I want to use my jewellery for family functions they r not giving me. Neither my husband nor the FIL and they r forcing me to use the jewellery kept in the locker stating you gave these jewellery to us for keeping now we have kept it somewhere which is far . So it can't be returned now but someday we will return. Neither they r revealing where is it kept nor they r telling when they will give. I have no information on my wedding jewellery. I had given them with trust but now where it is I don't know . They people were urging me to chng my nominee of all my bank account also and when I denied to change it immediately they were unhappy and were trying to discourage me. It's been 5 days n I have asked them atleast 3-4 times even my father asked them to provision me my jewellery so that I can wear it for the upcoming event in our family n relatives functions but they are not returning. What immediate steps I should take. How long it will take to get my jewellery back. Is there any evidence needed apart from few photos that were being clicked during marriage? Please help.

Answer 1

Dear Client, The jewellery given to you at the time of marriage is generally considered your stridhan, and you remain its owner even if it was handed over to your husband or in-laws for safekeeping.

From the facts you have stated, your father-in-law is not denying that he received the jewellery. Instead, he is saying that it is kept somewhere else and cannot be returned now. Therefore, preserve any messages, recordings, or witnesses that show they were holding the jewellery on your behalf.

Apart from wedding photographs, useful evidence can include jewellery bills, invoices, valuation certificates, wedding videos, gift lists, bank records, WhatsApp messages, emails, and any other proof showing that the jewellery belonged to you and was entrusted to them.

If they continue to refuse to return the jewellery or fail to disclose where it is kept, you should consult a lawyer without delay and consider sending a formal legal notice demanding return of your stridhan. If the issue is still not resolved, appropriate legal proceedings may be initiated for recovery of the jewellery.

As for the time required, there is no fixed timeline. If they cooperate after receiving a legal notice, the matter may be resolved quickly. If legal proceedings become necessary, it can take longer.

I hope this helps. In case of any further queries, please do reach out to us.

Answer 2

Hi,

You need to file a case for Domestic Violence and 498A.

Please get in touch with me to discuss the details of how to proceed with your matter.

My father in law has kept most of my jewellery that I got during my wedding and he is not returning it to me now when I asked to wear it for family functions

2 Answers