Islamabad (Pakistan News) The Supreme Court of Pakistan has laid down an important legal principle regarding the transfer of property given as dower (Haq Mehr).
Justice Shakeel Ahmad issued the written judgment in this regard.
The court stated that any co-owner of a joint property cannot transfer more than their own legal share. It further clarified that a husband can only offer property in dower up to the extent of his ownership, and any claim of offering an entire house as Haq Mehr cannot override the legal rights of other heirs.
The Supreme Court directed Nikah registrars and Nikah khwans to ensure verification of ownership of property mentioned in dower agreements in order to prevent future legal disputes.
The court further ordered that a separate column for property ownership should be included in the Nikahnama to avoid unnecessary litigation.
A copy of the verdict has been sent to the chief secretaries of all provinces to ensure immediate implementation.
The Supreme Court also dismissed a civil petition filed against the judgment of the Peshawar High Court in this case.
