Family · For citizens
He married again without permission?
In short
Section 6(5) of the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance: the entire dower falls due at once, recoverable as arrears of land revenue, and on her complaint he faces up to one year, or a fine, or both. The Supreme Court has upheld a conviction and found section 6 in line with Islam.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 8 November 2026 · 12 slides · 2 min read
Her mehr is due now.
All of it, prompt and deferred.
“Any man who contracts another marriage without the permission of the Arbitration Council shall (a) pay immediately the entire amount of the dower, whether prompt or deferred, due to the existing wife or wives, which amount, if not so paid, shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.”
Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 · s.6(5)(a), Polygamy
Who must he ask?
The Arbitration Council, in writing. Section 6(1) to (3).
- ApplyTo the Chairman, with reasons, and whether the wife consents.
- The councilHis nominee and hers. It must find the marriage necessary and just.
- Without itThe marriage cannot be registered under the Ordinance.
"I have every right to four."
Supreme Court of Pakistan, Crl. P. 1252 of 2016, 21 Feb 2017.
- His claimIslam allows four, and his wife agreed.
- The recordNo application to the council. His wife filed the complaint herself.
- The resultConviction upheld. The court said he was lucky to get only one month.
Is section 6 against Islam?
Supreme Court of Pakistan, C.P. 4690 of 2018, 12 Aug 2020.
- Myth: The law bans a second marriage.
- Fact: It does not ban it. It asks for permission first. The Supreme Court found section 6 in line with Islam.
If she complains.
Section 6(5)(b).
- Simple imprisonmentUp to one year.
- OrA fine, or both.
- Started byA complaint.
Do not wait years.
Lahore High Court, Crl. Revision 1601 of 2022, 27 Dec 2024.
- Second marriage27 Sep 2015.
- Complaint5 Apr 2019, after the divorce.
- The viewThe court saw mala fide in the delay.
Quick quiz. When?
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. Only after a divorce
- B. Only after his death
- C. Now
Answer: C. Right now.
Section 6(5)(a): the entire dower.
- Prompt or deferredBoth fall due at once.
- If unpaidRecoverable as arrears of land revenue.
First wife? Know these 3.
The slide to keep.
- PermissionHe needs the Arbitration Council's, in writing.
- MehrWithout it, all her dower falls due now.
- ComplaintUp to a year, or fine, or both. Do not wait years.
Your situation?
Ask FAI for the section and the judgments.
- My husband married again without telling me. Can I claim my deferred mehr now?
- How does a wife file a complaint under section 6 MFLO?
Example questions
Sources
- Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 · s.6(5)(a)
Polygamy
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
