Lahore High Court Orders Full Dower Payment in Second Marriage Without Consent Case
The Lahore High Court gave a major ruling on women’s financial protection. The court said a husband must make Full Dower Payment if he marries again without his first wife’s consent. Many see this decision as a strong step against unfair remarriages.
Justice Abid Hussain Chatha issued the detailed verdict in a petition filed by Mehnaaz Saleem. As a result, the husband must now meet all legal financial duties.
Court Sets Clear Financial Responsibility
The court ordered the husband to pay Rs1 million as dower immediately. It also directed him to provide Rs15,000 monthly maintenance until the divorce becomes legally effective. In addition, the amount will increase by 10% each year from 2021.
The court also ordered payment for dowry items based on official assessment. Therefore, the wife will receive complete financial relief under Muslim family law.
Earlier, a family court had allowed installments for dower and fixed dowry value at over Rs1 million. However, the sessions court reduced the dowry amount and removed maintenance and dower obligations. The petitioner challenged that decision in the high court.
Unapproved Marriages and Legal Violations
The court found that the husband contracted multiple marriages without permission. He expelled his wife from home with only a few clothes. Moreover, the court rejected his claim of verbal divorce because it did not meet legal requirements.
Justice Chatha explained that marriage remains valid until proper divorce formalities are completed. As a result, the husband must continue maintenance until the divorce takes effect.
The judgement also highlighted that the husband concealed earlier marriages at the time of nikah. The court stressed that honesty remains a moral and legal duty in marriage contracts. It found no evidence that the wife left due to misconduct or disobedience.
The court ruled that husbands who remarry without consent face immediate Full Dower Payment liability. It also confirmed that wives deserve maintenance and dowry-related support until lawful dissolution.
Under Section 6 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961, men who remarry without Arbitration Council approval may face imprisonment or fines. In Punjab, the fine can reach Rs500,000.
This ruling sends a strong message about fairness, responsibility, and women’s rights in Pakistan.
