LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Friday permitted a woman who had married of her own free will to stay with her husband but directed the groom to increase the dower (haq mehr) from $1,000 to $10,000, citing his substantial income.
Justice Farooq Haider presided over the case, which stemmed from a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman’s father, alleging her unlawful custody by the groom. Responding to the court’s summons, local police presented the couple in court.
When questioned by the judge, the woman firmly stated that she was an adult and had willingly married her husband. Rejecting her father’s claim of abduction or coercion, she expressed her desire to remain with her husband rather than return home.
The court then inquired about the groom’s financial standing. Revealing that he worked in the United States and earned $2,000 monthly, the groom was advised by Justice Haider to raise the haq mehr amount to better reflect his financial capacity and ensure his wife’s security.
Under the court’s directive, the groom submitted an affidavit agreeing to increase the dower amount to $10,000. Satisfied with the arrangement and the woman’s testimony, the judge dismissed the petition.
This unusual intervention highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights of women in marital agreements, ensuring both consent and security.
