In a shocking development, a Lahore man has been jailed over second marriage without first wife’s permission.
Polygamy is a marital arrangement in which an individual has multiple spouses simultaneously.
This practice has existed throughout history and across various cultures, often taking different forms and serving different purposes.
Lahore man jailed over second marriage
A resident of Lahore, Muhammad Aurangzeb Khan, has been sentenced to eight months in prison and fined Rs500,000 for entering into a second marriage without obtaining permission from his first wife.
The decision was made by Judge Adnan Liaqat of the Family Court, who stressed the importance of adhering to Section 6(5) of the Muslim Family Law Ordinance, which mandates written consent from the first wife before contracting another marriage.
Legal action by first wife
The case was initiated by Khan’s first wife, Zona Nasar, who took legal action against her husband for marrying another woman without her approval.
Under Pakistani law, any man who enters into a subsequent marriage without the consent of his first wife or the arbitration council can face imprisonment for up to one year, accompanied by a substantial fine.
Rights of first wife upheld
Furthermore, the ruling underscores the rights of the first wife, who retains the authority to seek maintenance for herself and her children through the union council.
Contrasting legal approaches
Comparatively, the punishment for polygamy varies in other countries such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, where individuals can legally marry multiple spouses without facing penalties. In Iran, the maximum allowable number of wives is two.
Debates on legal reforms
The case has reignited debates in Pakistan regarding potential reforms to laws governing polygamy.
While some argue that the existing legislation infringes upon men’s religious freedoms, others contend that polygamy is an outdated practice that should be banned.
As a Lahore man jailed over second marriage without first wife’s permission, the ruling serves as a significant precedent in upholding the rights of first wives and addressing the legal complexities surrounding polygamous marriages in Pakistan.
