Lahore High Court Upholds Father’s Maintenance Obligation
The Lahore High Court has ruled that a father remains responsible for supporting his minor child despite any financial hardship. The ruling, detailed in a 15-page judgment by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, asserts the duty to provide maintenance is not only legal but also moral and religious.
The court declared that unpaid maintenance constitutes an enforceable debt against the father, which does not lapse with time. It cited Quranic verses from Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah At-Talaq, as well as teachings from the Sunnah, to support its decision.
The judgment upheld the decisions of lower courts dismissing the father’s petition challenging the maintenance claim. The court also recommended new legislation for recovery of past maintenance in line with Islamic principles and directed that a copy be sent to relevant government bodies.