The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday set aside an order of a Justice of Peace dismissing a request for registration of a fresh FIR concerning the alleged marriage of a minor girl and directed police to investigate the matter in light of newly surfaced evidence.
LHC orders fresh probe into alleged marriage of minor girl
LAHORE, Aug 31 (APP): The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday set aside an order of a Justice of Peace dismissing a request for registration of a fresh FIR concerning the alleged marriage of a minor girl and directed police to investigate the matter in light of newly surfaced evidence.
Justice Munawar Iqbal Duggal issued the order on a petition filed by citizen Muhammad Aslam, who sought registration of a case against the man allegedly married to his minor daughter.
According to the petitioner, his daughter was born on March 1, 2011, and was around 15 years old at the time of the alleged nikah. He contended that she had been married to an adult man, Muhammad Luqman, in violation of child marriage laws.
The court observed that under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2026, a marriage involving a person below the age of 18 falls within the scope of the law and may attract legal action. The court stressed that the rights, protection and welfare of children must be accorded paramount importance.
The court noted that the petitioner had previously lodged an FIR alleging his daughter’s abduction. However, it held that the emergence of fresh evidence could provide legal grounds for registration of another FIR. Police were directed to examine the new evidence and facts in accordance with law and determine whether a cognisable and punishable offence had been committed.
The LHC also issued directions for the protection of the girl, ordering that she be placed under the care of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau to safeguard her protection, welfare and best interests.
The judgment further observed that a child’s wishes and views are important, but the consent of a minor cannot, in every circumstance, be treated as conclusive, as the law affords special protection to children.
The court emphasised that child marriage laws are primarily intended to protect minors and ensure their rights, safety and welfare. Relevant authorities were directed to take immediate and effective measures for girl’s protection.
