LHC rules dower payable even without rukhsati, consummation

The Lahore High Court has ruled that a wife in a khula (mutual divorce) arrangement must return only 25% of the dower if it was previously agreed upon, but if the Nikahnama (marriage contract) does not specify a payment timeline, the full dower amount is due immediately. This ruling is significant as it provides clarity and legal recourse for women in such divorce settlements, ensuring they don't have to return the entire dower if only partial agreement was made. The decision highlights the court's efforts to balance the rights and obligations of both parties in divorce cases.