Jammu and Kashmir State Muslim Dower Act, 1977 (1920 A.D.)

No: 44 Dated: Mar, 16 1977

THE JAMMU AND KASHMIR MUSLIM DOWER ACT, 1977 (1920 A.D.)

(Act No. XLIV of Samvat 1977)

[Sanctioned by His Highness the Maharaja Sahib Bahadur per Chief Minister’s endorsement No. 8372, dated 11th September, 1920 read with State Council Resolution No. 1, dated 8th April, 1925 (Notification No. 14-L/81, and published in Government Gazette dated 16th Chet, 1977].

1. Short title.––(1) This Act may be called the Jammu and Kashmir State Muslim Dower Act, 1977.

(2) It extends to the whole of the State

2. Where the amount of Dower is excessive to the means of the husband.–– Where the amount of dower is stipulated for in any contract of dower by a Mohammedan is excessive with reference to the means of the husband the entire sum provided in the contract shall not be awarded in any suit by decree in favour of the plaintiff, or by allowing it by way of set off lien or otherwise to the defendant ; but the amount of dower to be allowed by the courts shall be reasonable with reference to the means of the husband and the status of the wife. This rule shall be applicable whether the suit to enforce the contract be brought in the husband’s life time or after his death.