Dowry brought into courtroom in landmark divorce case in Lahore

LAHORE (Muhammad Ashfaq) – For the first time in judicial history, a family court in Lahore ordered dowry belongings to be brought directly into the courtroom for inspection during a divorce settlement case.

The case was heard by Family Court Judge Rukhsana Ameen on a petition filed by a woman named Gul Zaib, who stated that although her former husband had agreed to separation, he had refused to return her dowry.

The court initially appointed a bailiff to recover the dowry items, but the woman refused to accept them, claiming many items were damaged. Following this, Judge Rukhsana Ameen directed that the goods be brought to the courtroom so they could be inspected under judicial supervision.

During the proceedings, several items appeared to have been replaced with new ones before being presented in court. The judge ordered a full examination, opening and checking the dowry items one by one. Items found in usable condition were handed over to the woman in the courtroom, while damaged or unusable items were returned to the former husband.

The judge instructed that the cost of all damaged dowry items must be paid to the woman. The court also noted that although the couple’s divorce had been finalised, the failure to return the dowry had led to legal action.

Following the inspection, the court ensured that the woman received her rightful belongings and ordered financial compensation for anything damaged. The case has drawn public attention as a unique legal precedent, highlighting judicial efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in dowry-related disputes.