ISLAMABAD, July 11: The Law and Justice Commission has prepared draft of a new Marriage Expenses, Dowry and Bridal Gifts (Restriction) Act 2003 to provide relief to the public by placing curbs on ostentatious displays in marriage ceremonies, limiting the value of dowry and bridal gifts and enhancing penalty upon violation.

The draft is to be presented in a national workshop entitled “Prohibiting excessive expenditure on marriage ceremony and dowry” on July 25-26. Chief Justice of Pakistan Sheikh Riaz Ahmad will be the chief guest at this workshop, to be organized by the Law Commission.

The proposed Act would come into force after its approval in the form of a government notification.

It recommends placing a value limit on dowry and bridal gifts, and an enhanced penalty in case of this law’s violation.

The proposed law seeks to relieve the people of the burden of having to observe unnecessary social customs.

The total expenditure on marriage, excluding the value of dowry, bridal gifts and presents, but including the expenses of mehndi, baraat and valima shall not exceed Rs50,000, according to the draft law.

No meal except soup or hot/cold soft drinks will be served in the marriage function in the club, hotel, restaurant, wedding hall, community park or any other place.

However, this condition will not apply on eating of meals within the house by the members of the family celebrating the marriage and the house guests.

The proposed Act prohibits decorating the street, road or public park or any other place other than the house or a building where marriage ceremony is being held. The use of firecrackers or other explosive devices shall stay banned on such occasions.

The ministers, elected public representatives, judges, government servants, army officers and Nazims will not be allowed to receive any present in connection with his marriage or that of his son and daughter except from his relations (Khandan).

This condition will not apply on officials serving in grade below 17, who do not exercise any judicial, revenue or executive authority.

The parents of each party to a marriage will need to furnish to the Nikah Registrar the lists of dowry and bridal gifts given or received. In case of property given or accepted before or at the time of marriage, the list will be furnished within fifteen days of its being given or accepted.

According to the recommendations, each party shall submit details of expenditure incurred on the marriage, duly signed or thumb-marked by them, within one week. The Nikah Registrar shall forward the lists and details of expenditure to the Nazim union council within 15 days of receipt of such lists or details of expenditure.

A minimum of Rs100,000 and a maximum of Rs300,000 fine have been proposed, depending on the degree of violation of this act.

The property confiscated in case of contravention would be used for the marriage of poor girls in such a way as may be prescribed by the rules. —APP