SHIJU K.T.K. Vs. SULINA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The appellants herein are the respondents in OP.No.345/2012 on the file of the Family Court, Vadakara filed by the respondents herein, claiming the return of gold ornaments weighing 20 - 1/2 sovereigns or to pay its value to the tune of Rs.4,83,185/- and a sum of Rs.35,000/-.

(2.) The allegation is that the first appellant and respondent got married on 05.04.2007 as per the rituals prevalent in their community. After the marriage, the respondent was residing in the house of the first appellant. At the time of marriage, she was given 20 - 1/2 sovereigns of gold ornaments. The main allegation is that the appellants had taken away all the ornaments except thali chain, studs and wedding ring that was given to her at the time of marriage and had never returned the same, when demanded. Even an amount of Rs.35,000/- was paid by her father to the second appellant in the presence of Asokan, her paternal uncle. She is presently residing in her own house and claims 20 - 1/2 sovereigns of gold ornaments or its value at the rate of Rs.23,570/- per sovereign, which come to Rs.4,83,185/- and a sum of Rs.35,000/-.

(3.) The appellants herein entered appearance and filed joint counter statement denying the entire averments in the petition and prayed for dismissing the same. After an elaborate trial, the learned Judge allowed the petition and directed the appellants herein to return 20 - 1/2 sovereigns of gold ornaments or to pay a sum of Rs.4,83,185/- and a sum of Rs.35,000/- to the respondent herein within 2 months from the date of the judgment.