LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday sought assistance of the attorney general and the Bishop of Lahore on a petition challenging the Christian Divorce Act 1869.

Ameen Masih filed the petition, saying a maintenance suit was pending against him before a civil court.

He said his relations with his wife got strained two years ago because of his rift with his in-laws.

Masih said he wanted separation with his wife but he had to falsely accuse her of adultery.

He pointed out that the Christian Divorce Act 1869 required that a Christian man could divorce his wife only after accusing her of adultery. He said the Act existed since colonial period.

The petitioner pleaded that Section 10 of the Act was ultra vires of the Constitution. He requested the court to strike down the impugned section so that the Christian men could divorce their wives in a dignified manner.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah adjourned hearing till June 7 and sought assistance from the AGP and the Lahore bishop on the questions raised by the petitioner.