Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 Cannot Apply Retrospectively
The Lahore High Court held that the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 cannot reach a marriage solemnised before the law took effect, and affirmed a married girl's right to live where she chooses.
The Lahore High Court ruled the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2026 cannot be applied retrospectively.
The Act came into force on May 11, 2026; the marriage in the case was solemnised on April 18, 2026.
The court set aside a Khushab sessions court order of May 20, 2026 that declared the girl underage and sent her to a shelter home.
The girl told a magistrate she married of her own free will, and the court affirmed her right to decide where she lives.