The Lahore High Court has ruled that a husband must pay Rs 10 lakh in mehr to his first wife if he marries another woman without her consent.
The decision was given by Justice Abid Hussain Chattha, who approved a petition filed by Mehnaz Saleem. She had asked the court for her unpaid mehr, monthly maintenance, and return of her dowry items.
The court upheld the earlier decision of the trial court, confirming that the husband was legally responsible for fulfilling his financial obligations. It stated that if a man chooses to remarry without proper permission or consent from his first wife, he cannot avoid his duties toward her.
The court also ordered that until the divorce is legally finalized, the first wife is entitled to receive Rs 15,000 per month for her living expenses. In addition, she has the right to get back her dowry items. The judge emphasized that these rights are protected under the law and must be respected.
During the hearing, the court noted that the husband had failed to disclose his earlier marriages, which raised serious concerns.
It also ruled that his claim of giving a verbal divorce was not legally valid. The court made it clear that proper legal procedures must be followed in matters of marriage and divorce.
The ruling highlights the importance of honesty, legal compliance, and protection of women’s rights within marriage. It reinforces that husbands must meet their responsibilities and cannot escape financial obligations through improper actions.
