Family · For citizens
Shohar faut ho gaya. Mehr kaun dega?
In short
It did not end. Deferred mehr falls due on the husband's death, and the Limitation Act gives the widow 3 years from the death to claim it (Articles 103 and 104). A Lahore High Court case shows what happens when she waits six years.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 14 November 2026 · 12 slides · 2 min read
3 years. From the death.
The Limitation Act sets one clock for mehr.
“Deferred mehr: three years from when the marriage is dissolved by death or divorce. Prompt mehr: three years from demand and refusal, or, if never demanded in the marriage, from its dissolution by death or divorce.”
Limitation Act 1908 · First Schedule, Articles 103 and 104
A real case: six years late.
Lahore High Court, W.P. 56215 of 2019, 23 Jun 2023.
- The claimA widow sued for her mehr.
- The gapAbout six years after her husband died.
- The rulingBarred by time under Articles 103 and 104.
When is deferred mehr due?
Lahore High Court, W.P. 11679 of 2012.
- Date fixedPayable after that time.
- No date fixedPayable on the husband's death or the end of the marriage.
Prompt mehr never asked for?
Article 103 has two starting points.
- Asked and refusedThe 3 years run from the refusal.
- Never askedThe 3 years run from the death or divorce.
Divorced? Clock starts when she knows.
Lahore High Court, W.P. 18004 of 2001, 25 Nov 2004.
- The husbandSaid he divorced her years earlier.
- The wifeWas not there and was not told.
- The rulingTime ran from when the divorce came to her notice. Her suit was in time.
Quick quiz. Still in time?
Guess first, then swipe.
- A. Yes, mehr never expires
- B. No, past 3 years
- C. Only if the family agrees
Answer: B. Over 4 years.
Her 3 years ended in March 2025.
- The lessonDo not wait for the family to decide.
- WhereA suit for mehr goes to the Family Court.
Myth or fact?
What widows are often told.
- Myth: Mehr ends when the husband dies.
- Fact: Deferred mehr falls due on his death. She has 3 years to claim it.
Your slip to keep.
Forward it to the family group.
- DueDeferred mehr: on death or divorce, if no date was fixed.
- Clock3 years from the death or divorce.
- RefusedPrompt mehr: 3 years from the refusal.
- CourtThe Family Court.
Your mehr still unpaid?
Ask FAI for the law and the cases.
- My husband died two years ago. Can I still claim my mehr?
- My in-laws say mehr ends at death. Is that true?
Example questions
Sources
- Limitation Act 1908 · First Schedule
Articles 103 and 104
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.
