Judge Zafarullah Jakarani at the Subo Dero Civil Court in Khairpur sentenced the accused Lal Bakhsh to six months imprisonment with a fine of Rs5,000 over his failure to get permission from his first wife for the second marriage.

After the sentencing, the accused was immediately transferred to jail.

“My husband did not take my permission for the second marriage,” said the first wife, Saeeda.

Polygamy for men is legal in Pakistan under the country’s Sharia-compliant laws but the civil code mandates that the husband must seek permission from the existing wife or wives before contracting another marriage.