Summary Supreme Court rules husbands can give mahr only from their share of joint property, orders verification of ownership in marriage certificates to prevent legal disputes
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Supreme Court has clarified important legal principles regarding the transfer of property as part of “haq mahr” (dower).
The written verdict was issued by Justice Shakeel Ahmed.
The court ruled that no co-owner of joint property can transfer more than their inherited share. A husband may only provide mahr from his portion of the joint property, and claims to give the entire house as mahr cannot affect the rights of other legal heirs.
The apex court instructed marriage registrars and officiants to verify property ownership listed in mahr agreements and recommended adding a separate column in marriage certificates to record property ownership, helping prevent unnecessary legal disputes.
Copies of the verdict have been sent to the chief secretaries of all provinces for implementation.
Additionally, the top court has dismissed a civil petition challenging a Peshawar High Court (PHC) decision related to the matter.
