In a much-need ruling on the issue of child marriages, the Lahore High Court’s (LHC) Justice Anwarul Haq Pannu has ordered strict action against those involved in abetting early-age marriages, including the bridegroom, parents, marriage registrars, and witnesses.
The verdict was issued in response to petitions filed by petitioners Rukhsana Bibi and Irshad Bibi, seeking the LHC's assistance in recovering their daughters, aged 13 and 14 respectively.
To ensure the implementation of this ruling, the court directed the secretary of municipalities to submit a report on the progress of the court orders by June 19. Additionally, the municipal department has been instructed to ensure the enforcement of the law against early-age marriages.
During the court hearing, the statements of underage girls who claimed to have entered marriages of their own choice were presented. The court emphasised the importance of understanding the extent to which the law has been implemented in cases of early-age marriages.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2023.
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