Marriage Ordinance challenged

LAHORE

Restrictions of one-dish and limited time for wedding functions under Punjab Marriage Functions Ordinance, 2016 and its implementation on houses are in violation of fundamental rights, said a petition filed before the Lahore High Court.A citizen has challenged the whole ordinance promulgated by the Punjab government for regulations of marriage functions and other related ceremonies and to make incidental provisions. 

The petitioner said the ordinance was in conflict with Articles 9, 14, 25 and 38 of the Constitution. He said the matter pertained to enforcement of fundamental rights and right of life read with quality of life, right of privacy and to enjoy the life accordingly. He stated that the most important thing related to marriage functions in a house and according to section 2(c) of the ordinance house means a private residence and in section 2(g) a private residence, farmhouse or any other property hired for the purpose to celebrate of the marriage ceremony. He said holding a marriage at a public place in view of the impugned ordinance had been fixed with consequences, hence the ordinance had been assailed for being ultra vires of the Constitution. Furthermore, the petitioner pleaded that the Punjab Governor had no authority to pass such an ordinance for taking away fundamental rights of the citizens. The petitioner prayed to the court to set aside the impugned ordinance being ultra vires of the Constitution and in direct conflict with the fundamental rights of the citizens.