New Delhi: In a landmark verdict on 2 December 2025, a Bench of the Supreme Court of India (Justices Sanjay Karol and Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh) held that a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to reclaim cash, gold, and other gifts given at the time of marriage — even if those were handed over to the bridegroom. The court set aside a Calcutta High Court ruling that had allowed the husband to retain the gifts.

Facts of the Case

The appellant, Rousanara Begum, and her ex-husband (the respondent) were married on 28 August 2005. After separation in May 2009, their marriage ended by divorce on 13 December 2011.

As per the marriage register (qabilnama), her father had given cash amounting to ₹7 lakh and 30 bhories (tolas) of gold at the time of marriage; though recorded as having been given t

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