Wife sued by mom-in-law for failing to return gold

Three years after marriage, a wife borrowed gold jewellery from her mother-in-law. Nearly three years later, the mother-in-law complained the jewellery had not been returned.

Three years after marriage, a wife borrowed gold jewellery from her mother-in-law. Nearly three years later, the mother-in-law complained the jewellery had not been returned.

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The complaint was not voiced in front of relatives in the living room. It was registered in a courtroom with the judge listening intently to the mother-in-law’s grouse.

The daughter-in-law has now been summoned by the court and informed that failing to return the jewellery would invite criminal proceeding under sections of cheating.

Metropolitan Magistrate Ravinder Singh said the complainant has not received the jewellery despite her repeated demands, and it was nearly approaching three years.

“I am of considered opinion that there are sufficient material on record to prosecute for the offence punishable under section 420,” he said.

Laviral (name changed) and Pooja (name changed) married on January 31, 2004 in Faridabad. Pooja allegedly borrowed the jewellery on March 3, 2007, promising to return them the next morning.

After a few days Pooja left her matrimonial house and started living with her parents. Karan Bir Singh, the counsel for the complainant, said in court, "Pooja left her matrimonial house with her mother-in-law's jewellery worth Rs 1 lakh. Till date she has not returned them.”

Sarita, in her petition, alleged the Malviya Nagar police had registered her compliant, but refused to take any action.

Singh submitted in court that the non-presence of the accused in the matter shows unwillingness to return the jewellery.

The court observed that Pooja had evaded court hearing on all the occasions and had never appeared in person.

The court issued a notice to Pooja demanding her presence in court on May 10, 2010.