The Supreme Court has released its judgment in a case related to women’s inheritance rights.
The seven-page verdict, authored by Justice Athar Minallah before his resignation, upheld the decision of the Sindh High Court in the matter.
The judgment reaffirms that depriving women of their lawful share in inheritance is contrary to the Constitution and the clear teachings of Islam.
In a significant order, the apex court imposed a Rs 500,000 fine on the petitioner, Abid Hussain, for delaying the transfer of inheritance to the rightful heirs.
The court directed that the amount must be deposited with the Registrar of the Supreme Court within seven days, and the fine will be distributed among the legal heirs.
The judgment stated that Abid Hussain failed to prove his claim that the disputed property had been gifted to him.
It stressed that inheritance is a divine command, and property ownership transfers to legal heirs immediately upon the owner's death.
The court strongly remarked that depriving women of their share in inheritance violates both Islamic principles and constitutional protections.
The verdict further emphasized that it is the state’s responsibility to ensure that women receive their inheritance rights without delay, fear, or lengthy legal battles.
It added that those who unlawfully deny inheritance must be held accountable under the law.