The High Court on Monday issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why directives should not be given to formulate a policy for recovery of dower (denmohor) fixed at the time of marriage.
A High Court bench comprising Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar passed the order on Monday following a primary hearing on a writ petition. The law secretary and other relevant respondents have been asked to respond to the rule.
Supreme Court lawyer Fahmida Akter filed the writ on 5 July, seeking a clear policy to ensure the effective recovery of dower. She represented the petitioner during the hearing, while the state was represented by Deputy Attorney Generals Khan Ziaur Rahman and Mahfuz Bin Yusuf.
The petition said although current laws contain basic provisions for dower payment, there is a lack of specific guidelines on how the amount should be valued and recovered many years after a marriage. This ambiguity frequently hinders the realisation of women’s financial rights.
It was further argued in the petition that such a policy would more effectively safeguard the financial interests of married women. Moreover, it would ensure justice by resolving obscurities within the relevant sections of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance.
