The Lahore High Court clarified on Tuesday that a wife has the legal right to demand her dowry from her husband at any time, regardless of the continuation of the marriage.

Justice Abid Hussain Chatta issued the decision while hearing the petition of Fatima Bibi, declaring the trial court’s dismissal of her dowry claim null and void and restoring the Family Court’s earlier ruling.

The case involved Fatima Bibi seeking daily expenses, non-payment of maintenance, and the return of her dowry, including five tolas of gold.

While the Family Court had originally ruled in her favour, awarding both monthly expenses and dowry, the trial court later dismissed the dowry claim.

The Lahore High Court emphasised that if no specific timeline for dowry payment is mentioned in the marriage certificate, the wife retains the right to demand it “whenever” she wishes.

The court reaffirmed that this right is fundamental under the marriage contract and cannot be refused by the husband.

While upholding the trial court’s decision on non-maintenance, the High Court partially accepted the petition and fully restored the Family Court’s ruling regarding dowry.