Chapter 76

Deliberation on Ownership of Woman's Property

Strīdhana should be given to a woman by her father, mother, husband, brother, and kinsmen, according to their ability, up to two thousand, but not immovable property. // K_902 //

What is given with a condition, or what is given through a fraudulent device by a father, brother, or husband, is not considered strīdhana. // K_903 //

The wealth that is acquired by her skills, and what is received from another out of affection—the husband has ownership over that; the rest is remembered as strīdhana. // K_904 //

Having received saudāyika wealth, women are desired to have independence, because it was given by them for her maintenance out of kindness. // K_905 //

Over saudāyika wealth, the independence of women is always declared, in sale and in gift at their pleasure, even in the case of immovable property. // K_906 //

A woman may dispose of her husband's gift as she pleases after her husband's death. But while he is alive, she should preserve it; otherwise, she should spend it within his family. // K_907 //

If he has two wives and does not consort with her again, he shall be compelled to return even what was given out of affection. // K_908 //

Where a woman is deprived of her food, clothing, and residence, there the woman may take her own property and also her share from the heirs. // K_909 //

This is the law for a written document. Having received it, she should reside in her husband's family. But if she is sick at the time of his death, she may then go to her own kinsmen. // K_910 //

Neither the husband, nor the son, nor the father, nor the brothers have power over strīdhana in taking or giving it away. // K_911 //

If any one of these should forcibly consume a woman's property, he shall be made to repay it with interest and shall also incur a fine. // K_912 //

If, however, he consumes it with her permission and out of affection, he shall be made to repay only the principal, if he becomes wealthy. // K_913 //

But if she, knowing him to be sick, in distress, or oppressed by creditors, gives it out of affection, he may give it back of his own will. // K_914 //

While she is alive, her husband, sons, brothers-in-law, and paternal kinsmen are declared to have no power over her strīdhana. Those who seize it are punishable. // K_915 //

What was promised by the husband as strīdhana must be paid by the sons like a debt. The woman who remains in her husband's family should not reside in her father's family. // K_916 //