HC issues rule seeking policy on payment of dower

The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking why the authorities should not be directed to formulate a clear policy for the payment and recovery of denmohor (dower) fixed at the time of marriage.

The bench of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed in the public interest.

Barrister Fahmida Akhtar represented the petitioner during the hearing. The court asked the Law Secretary, the Director General of the Department of Registration and other concerned respondents to explain within four weeks.

The writ was filed on July 5, seeking directions to frame guidelines under Section 10 of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, regarding the payment and recovery of dower.

According to the petition, a comprehensive framework is needed to determine the value of deferred dower payable after one year of marriage, establish a mechanism for its recovery, and ensure effective enforcement. It argued that such guidelines would help protect women’s financial rights and remove ambiguities in Section 10 of the ordinance, thereby ensuring greater legal certainty and justice.