Five marriage halls sealed over rules’ violation

LAHORE:The Punjab government continued a crackdown on marriage halls for not complying with regulations regarding one-dish policies and operating hours.

In a statement issued here Sunday, the Punjab government spokesperson said that in various districts, five marriage halls were sealed, and 12 cases filed, leading to the arrest of 30 individuals. Notably, the owners of these marriage halls faced a collective fine of Rs4.3 million imposed by the district administration.

Providing a breakdown, Lahore Division witnessed the inspection of 316 marriage halls, revealing violations at 25 locations. The district administration responded with fines totalling Rs7 lakh and the initiation of eight FIRs. Furthermore, three wedding hall proprietors faced arrest for non-compliance with one-dish regulations and operating hour restrictions. In Rawalpindi Division, raids on 119 marriage halls and marquees unveiled infringements of the Marriage Function Act at nine venues. Consequently, a fine of Rs515,000 was imposed, leading to the closure of two marriage halls. Meanwhile, DG Khan Division underwent scrutiny with inspections conducted at 1,463 marriage halls. Violations at 15 locations resulted in fines amounting to Rs465,000, the sealing of two marriage halls, and the initiation of two cases.

In Gujranwala Division, out of 827 inspected marriage halls, the management of 50 venues incurred fines totalling Rs2,620,000 for non-compliance with the law. The district administration took additional measures, including registering two FIRs, apprehending 27 individuals, and sealing a marriage hall.