LHC Declares Marriage Below 18 Illegal Under Punjab Law

 

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that marriages involving individuals under the age of 18 are illegal under Punjab’s Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026.

The ruling came during the hearing of a case involving a 15-year-old girl, Hina Aslam. Her father, Muhammad Aslam, approached the court after new evidence surfaced regarding her alleged underage marriage.

Justice Munawar Iqbal Dogar overturned an earlier decision by a Justice of Peace, who had declined to order registration of a criminal case. The LHC has now directed the police to investigate the new evidence and determine whether a criminal offence was committed.

The court also ordered that the girl be placed in the care of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, directing authorities to ensure that her safety, welfare and best interests remain the top priority.

The LHC observed that while a child’s wishes should be considered, they cannot automatically be treated as decisive due to the child’s age.

Under Punjab’s 2026 law, the minimum legal age for marriage is 18, with penalties prescribed for those involved in underage marriages.