Cheque Row Resolved in Court: Woman Wins Repayment, Dh300,000 in Damages

The Abu Dhabi Court of Appeal has confirmed a judgment ordering a man to return Dh2.87 million to a businesswoman and pay her an additional Dh300,000 in compensation.

The court ruled that the decisive oath sworn by the plaintiff settled the dispute, leaving no valid grounds for appeal, Emarat Al Youm reported.

 

According to court filings, the woman sued her assistant, alleging he encashed a cheque for Dh2.87 million entrusted to him but failed to return the sum despite repeated reminders. She supported her case with a copy of the cheque.

 

A lower court had already ruled in her favour, directing repayment of the full amount, Dh300,000 in damages, and all related legal expenses. The defendant appealed, claiming lack of proper notice, insufficient evidence, and asked for testimony from the plaintiff’s daughter as well as the decisive oath.

In his defence, he argued that he was the woman’s authorised agent, responsible for handling her business affairs and acquiring property on her behalf. He claimed the funds were meant for a real estate deal he completed but had yet to register under her name, offering to transfer ownership instead.

 

The appellate court referred the decisive oath to the plaintiff, who swore that the defendant had neither honoured their agreement nor repaid the money. Based on this testimony, the court upheld the original verdict in full.