The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld a three-month jail sentence and a hefty fine of Rs 1 million imposed on a man who married for the second time without securing permission from his first wife. The second marriage law decision reinforces the legal requirement of obtaining consent before contracting a second marriage in Pakistan.
Court Rejects Appeal and Stresses Legal Consent for Second Marriage
Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, heading the bench, dismissed the convict’s appeal and questioned his lawyer over the reasoning presented. The court asked whether a wife’s aging could be considered a valid reason for a husband to remarry and remarked, “If women also start doing this, what will happen to society?”
The LHC emphasized that no excuse or personal justification can bypass the legal requirement of obtaining the first wife’s consent before entering into a second marriage. This condition is a statutory safeguard meant to protect the rights of women in marital relationships.
According to the convict’s lawyer, the first marriage took place in 1999 and the second in 2017. He claimed his client had also filed a claim for reconciliation with his first wife. However, when asked whether this reconciliation effort was made before or after the second marriage, the lawyer could not provide a clear answer.
Also Read Ayeza Khan Shares Stunning Pictures from Her Brother’s Walima Event
After reviewing the case, the court ruled that no substantial grounds were presented to challenge the original verdict. As a result, the LHC upheld both the jail term and the Rs 1 million fine. Sending a strong message about adherence to family laws.
This ruling has sparked discussion online, with many praising the court for upholding women’s rights and discouraging unlawful second marriages. The decision highlights the importance of legal safeguards for spouses and the accountability of those who violate them.
