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Help me to know whether I get back my dowry


13-Nov-2025 (In Divorce Law)
I am seeking legal help to recover my mahr, stridhan, and promised compensation from my ex-husband. During divorce, I received only a small settlement but he promised more and never returned my gold. He misused my trust, is now abroad, and avoids me. I have gold bills, photos, and witnesses (mother/sister). Can I file a case under Muslim law to recover my mahr, stridhan, and promised money?
Answers (4)

Answer #1
733 votes
You can still recover your mahr, stridhan and promised money. Your court statement doesn’t stop you, as it was made on trust. Stridhan is your absolute right. Husband has no ownership rights over it, and failure to return it amounts to criminal breach of trust (Section 406 IPC). If a statement was made due to misrepresentation, pressure, fraud, or misplaced trust , it does not bar you from recovering your property . We need to file a petition in family court. Your photos, bills and witnesses are enough to support your case .
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Advocate Sreejith T. V.

Adv. Sreejith T. V.

LawRato Ernakulam | 50+ Answers
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Answer #2
614 votes
Yes you can file applications before the concerned family court to Set aside the earlier agreement exhibited between yourself and your husband you can also file application before the concerned family court for return of gold ornaments you can avail the remedies available under protection of women puram from domestic violence act against your exhusband
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Advocate Ahammed Faisal

Adv. Ahammed Faisal

LawRatoThrissur | 100+ Answers
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Answer #3
800 votes
You have every legal right to recover your mahr, stridhan (gold and gifts belonging to you), and the additional amount he promised at the time of divorce. Under Muslim personal law, mahr is treated as a debt that must be paid, and divorce does not cancel this right. Stridhan is your absolute property, and if your ex-husband kept your gold or refused to return it, the law treats that as a serious violation. Even if he is living abroad, you can still file cases in India. The court can serve notice through email/WhatsApp, and in criminal proceedings the court can also issue warrants or a Look-Out Circular if needed.
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Advocate Stanly Stephen

Adv. Stanly Stephen

LawRatoKollam | 25+ Answers
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Answer #4
613 votes
Yes, you are legally entitled to recover your mahr, stridhan and the promised monetary compensation. Divorce does not extinguish these rights. Since you possess documentary proof (gold bills, photographs) and supporting witnesses, you can institute appropriate proceedings before the competent Family Court for recovery. His residence abroad is not a bar; notice can be issued to his foreign address or last known Indian address through diplomatic channels.
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Advocate Arun Johny

Adv. Arun Johny

LawRatoErnakulam | 25+ Answers
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