2 Answers
Dear Client, your situation involves both a business dispute and a direct threat to your personal property.
About the business you mentioned that your father in law took money from your husband for the business, not making him an owner, and giving everything to the younger son. This constitutes cheating and criminal breach of trust under Sections 316 and 318 of BNS if the money was taken on a promise of making your husband a business partner and that promise was deliberately broken. Your husband must first gather evidence of the money paid bank transfers, cheque records, whatsapp conversations, any written agreement or promise. Further I will advise you to file a police complaint under these sections. Simultaneously, file a civil suit for recovery of the money invested along with interest and damages, citing breach of contract and unjust enrichment by the father in law.
About his demand for your savings and jewellery, your savings and jewellery are your personal property and absolutely no one, including your father in law or even your husband, has any legal right to compel you to hand them over. Your jewellery is your streedhana under Section 14 of the Hindu Succession Act and the Supreme Court in Pratibha Rani vs Suraj Kumar held that streedhan is the absolute property of the wife over which the husband and in laws have no claim. Your savings in your own bank account are your own money. If anyone is pressuring you to give these up, this constitutes criminal intimidation under Section 351 BNS. Refuse clearly and in writing, and if the pressure continues, file a complaint under the Domestic Violence Act for economic abuse, which specifically covers situations where in laws attempt to deprive a woman of her own property.
My advise to you will be to not hand over a single rupee of your savings or any piece of jewellery to anyone under pressure.
I hope this helps, and if you have any further issues, do not hesitate to contact us.
Dear Madam,
You should also avoid emotional pressure or manipulation regarding jewellery. Under Indian law, your jewellery and gifts received during marriage are considered your “stridhan,” and you have exclusive rights over them. Even husband or in-laws cannot forcibly take or retain them.
Before starting any legal case, it is usually better to first attempt a calm family discussion or mediation with respected relatives or elders. Sometimes written settlement discussions help avoid long disputes. However, if they continue to cheat, threaten, or pressure you for money and jewellery, then you may consult a local civil lawyer regarding recovery of money, injunction, partnership claims, or protection of your property.