The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that a husband remains legally bound to pay the full dower amount, including both money and jewelry listed in the marriage contract, even after divorce.
The court clarified that if a husband fails to provide the jewelry specified in the nikahnama (marriage contract), the former wife is entitled to receive its market value instead.
In its decision, the court upheld a family court ruling that directed the husband to pay the full dower, including the jewelry mentioned in the contract.
The verdict was issued by Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi of the Multan bench while hearing a petition filed by a man identified as Aamir Ali, who had challenged the earlier family court decision.
The high court stated that all items listed in the nikahnama, whether cash or jewelry, collectively form the dower and must be paid separately.
According to court records, the marriage took place in 2011, with the dower set at Rs. 5,000, five tolas of silver, and 10 tolas of gold. The former wife argued that her ex-husband failed to provide the jewelry after the divorce.
In his defense, the petitioner claimed he had already paid the cash portion of the dower and alleged that the jewelry entries in the nikahnama were fraudulent. However, the court found that he failed to prove this claim.
Records showed that witnesses had verified the contents of the marriage contract, and the petitioner had also confirmed his signatures.
The court further stated that the family court’s decision was based on evidence and did not require interference, adding that higher courts only intervene if a lower court ruling is found to be unlawful.
The high court ultimately upheld the family court’s order, directing the husband to pay the full dower.
