The Lahore High Court (LHC) has permitted a woman to stay with her husband, whom she married of her own choice, and instructed the husband to increase the dower (haq mehr) from $1,000 to $10,000.
Justice Farooq Haider presided over the case, which was brought to the court through a habeas corpus petition filed by the woman’s father.
The father alleged that his daughter was being illegally detained by her husband. Following the court’s notice, the local police presented both the woman and her husband before the bench.
During the proceedings, the woman confirmed her decision to marry of her own free will and expressed her desire to remain with her husband. After hearing her statement, the court ruled in her favor, allowing her to stay with her spouse.
At the same time, the judge directed the husband to increase the dower amount, addressing the financial terms of the marriage contract.
The court’s decision highlights the importance of a woman’s right to choose her partner while ensuring that the husband fulfills his financial responsibilities under Islamic law. This ruling reinforces the balance between personal choice and adherence to marital obligations.
The case sheds light on the legal system’s role in protecting individual rights and resolving family disputes in line with religious and social principles.
