KARACHI, Feb 8: The ordinance restraining the serving of meals during marriage ceremonies is being grossly violated in the city.

The ordinance promulgated five years ago with a view to mitigate the financial sufferings of those unable to serve food to their guests during marriages has brought enormous financial dividends to police who are shielding offenders of the law, charging them heavily.

A recent survey shows that the practice continues with police mobiles on guard outside marriage gardens, halls, parks and homes where marriages take place.

Police are paid from Rs5000 to Rs10,000 for their movement in and out of the place to ensure the safety of hosts and guests. They are also often supplied food at the end of such ceremonies.

The father of a girl who is about to get married lamented that if this state of affairs continued the miseries and mental agonies of those who could ill-afford the expenses of such feasts would increase manifolds.

“Already they are reeling under severe inflation as the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed, and it will be sheer travesty of justice if the parents and relatives of the bridegroom also start demanding meals on the occasion of marriage,” he said.

“Majority of the laws promulgated in Pakistan generally end up enriching police and other departments that never miss an opportunity to harness their fortune,” he added.

It has been observed that now the rich have started dispatching cards to their relatives and friends with dinner invitations, clearly disregarding the law never any rich of violator which has been caught.

In view of this situation there seems no the justification of the law. Perhaps the government should allow at least one dish during marriage ceremonies. This may restrain police from reaping monetary gains on such occasions.— PPI