In a recent ruling, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has allowed a woman, who married of her own free will, to live with her husband. However, the court also instructed the bridegroom to increase the dower amount (haq mehr) from $1,000 to $10,000, based on his financial capacity.
The case was brought before the court following a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman’s father, who alleged that his daughter had been illegally taken by her husband. The local police, after receiving a notice, brought the couple before the court for further proceedings.
During the hearing, when asked by the court, the woman confirmed that she was an adult and had married her husband voluntarily. She rejected any claims of abduction or coercion, insisting that she wanted to stay with her husband, not return to her father.
The judge, Justice Farooq Haider, inquired about the husband’s income, to which the groom revealed that he worked in the United States and earned $2,000 per month. Based on this, Justice Haider remarked that the initial amount of $1,000 in haq mehr was insufficient and should be increased to ensure the woman’s security and well-being.
As per the court’s order, the groom submitted an affidavit agreeing to raise the dower amount to $10,000. After hearing the woman’s statement and the groom’s commitment, Justice Haider disposed of the habeas corpus petition, allowing the woman to stay with her husband under the new terms.
This ruling has drawn attention to the importance of ensuring fair marriage contracts and the protection of women’s rights in marriage.
