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ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP):The Supreme Court of Pakistan has ruled that the payment of dower (haq mehr) mentioned in a marriage contract (Nikahnama) is a legal obligation of the husband and cannot be avoided.
During the hearing of multiple petitions related to dowry and dower, Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Yahya Afridi made significant remarks, stating that when a man marries a woman, he becomes legally bound to fulfill all conditions recorded in the Nikahnama, including the payment of haq mehr.
The Chief Justice emphasized that whatever is written in the dower section of the marriage contract must be paid by the husband, as it is a binding legal and moral responsibility.
During the proceedings, the petitioner’s lawyer argued that the agreed dower of 40 tolas of gold was excessive and proposed that the husband was willing to pay 20 tolas instead. In response, the Chief Justice remarked that paying a little more could help satisfy the wife, adding that it is the husband’s responsibility to keep his wife content.
The Chief Justice further observed that courts cannot interfere in personal and family matters that are based on mutual consent, as such matters fall within the framework of the marriage contract agreed upon by both parties.
Following the hearing, the Supreme Court dismissed several petitions related to dowry and haq mehr.
The case was heard by a two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi.