(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly on Wednesday passed a bill slapping ban on the demand of Dowry from the bride's family imposing punishment of up to three two months imprisonment and fine above Rs300,000 or both.
The bill titled The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Marriage Functions (Prohibition of Ostentatious Displays and Wasteful Expenses) Bill 2018 was presented by JI lawmaker Rashida Riffat and was passed by the house with majority.
It states that anyone from the bridegroom family or any one on their behalf ask or force bride's family for dowry amount or articles shall be punished with imprisonment for term not exceeding two months and fine not less than Rs300,000 or both. It adds that action shall be taken only father or male members of family if any of the provision of this act are violated.
It restricts the aggregate value of gift amount or articles given to bride by her parents or any other family member to amount not exceeding Rs100,000. It imposes ban on decoration of house, street, road or any other place, where the marriage ceremony is being conducted, with lights or illuminations.
Fire crackers or other explosive devices used in marriages for fireworks are also banned under this Act along with putting restrictions on use of loudspeaker in Rukhsati, Valima or Barat. It directs that the sound of the loudspeaker should be limited to indoor.
The ceremonies of Nikkah , Barat and Valima shall culminate till 11 o'clock at night and the owner or manager of the place/ marriage hall shall ensure the conclusion of all ceremonies relating to marriage before or at 11 O'clock.
It says that whoever contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this act shall be guilty of an offence punishable with fine of up to Rs200,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three months or both.
It states that in Mehndi, Nikkah or engagement the family shall not serve or allow anyone to serve anything except beverages to the people participating the ceremony. It defines menu for Barat, Valima and Rukhsati which means one dish of rice, one dish of Salan or gravy, one dry dish, Nan/Roti, Salad and sweet dish.
It clearly states that the bridal gifts given by husband is absolute property of the wife under the provision of this Act and cannot be snatched away. Violation of this provision would entail a penalty in the form of a fine of Rs200,000 and imprisonment of three months.
A complaint can be registered to Magistrate of 1st class—under whose jurisdiction the offence under this act is committed— in writing by anyone who witnesses the ceremony.
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