J U D G M E N T

Pius C. Kuriakose, J.

This appeal is preferred by the appellants, who are respectively the husband and mother-in-law of the 1st respondent. The 2nd respondent is the child born to the 1st respondent in her wedlock with the 1st appellant. Respondents 3 and 4 are respectively the sister and brother-in-law of the 1st appellant.

2. Under challenge in this appeal is an ex-parte order passed by the Family Court, Thrissur, in OP No.398/2006. Under that order, which is passed relying on a claim affidavit filed by the 1st respondent as the respondents in the original petition remained ex-parte, the Family Court directed respondents 1 and 2 in the original petition (appellants 1 and 2 in the appeal) to pay a sum of Rs.9,00,000/- being the value of 150 sovereigns of gold ornaments entrusted with the 1st appellant at the time of his marriage with the 1st respondent. There is a further order that the 1st appellant shall pay maintenance to the 1st and 2nd respondents at the respective rates of Rs.1,000/- per mensem and Rs.500/- per mensem from November 2005 till November 2008, and thereafter, at the respective rates of Rs.1,500/- per mensem and Rs.750/- per mensem. The memorandum o