The Senate Standing Committee on Religious Affairs has cleared a private bill referred to it as back as in 2003 and aimed at restricting 'lavish' expenditures on marriages by discouraging dowry.
"The Dowry and Marriage Gifts (Restriction) Bill 2003 is meant to keep expenditures on marriages within a certain limit by discouraging dowry and bridal gifts.
The committee met here on Thursday with Senator Maulana Sami ul Haq in the chair.
Senator Chaudhry Muhammad Anwar Bhinder introduced the bill in the upper house some two years ago. It was then referred to the committee.
Anwar Bhinder - the mover, apprised the committee of the aims, objectives and salient features of the bill.
He said two similar acts were already there to restrict the lavish expenditures and prohibit the display of dowry at the time of marriage.
But, he added the objectives of those acts failed to bring desired result, as the same could not be enforced in true letter and spirit.
Highlighting the salient features of the bill, he said it was intended to restrict the expenses on dowry, bridal gifts and the presents given on marriages.
Moreover, it provided an easy and speedy restoration of dowry in case of the dissolution of marriage by divorce and saved the divorced women from lengthy litigation, Bhinder added.
The committee discussed the bill in details and approved the same with minor amendments.
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