Supreme Court Grants Bail to Child Marriage Case Accused, Cites Consent of Girl
Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan approved bail for Muhammad Irfan, who was arrested under the Child Marriage Restraint Act.
A three-member bench, headed by Justice Hashim Kakak, heard the post-arrest bail petition and granted bail against PKR 100,000 surety.
During the hearing, the petitioner’s lawyer alleged that Irfan had kidnapped the 16-year-old girl and taken her belongings. However, the defense argued that the girl had consented to the marriage, and her statement had been recorded three times before a magistrate. The girl and her twin sister had both married, with the elder sister’s marriage having taken place three years ago.
Justice Hashim Kakak remarked, “The girl has appeared before the magistrate three times and clearly stated that she married of her own will. When husband and wife are in agreement, what is the issue?”
The court was informed that the accused had been in custody since June 2025. Justice Ishtiaq Ibrahim inquired about the maximum sentence under the Child Marriage Restraint Act, to which the prosecutor replied it is 16 years and 4 months.
After hearing all arguments, the Supreme Court granted bail to the accused against surety of PKR 100,000, while the case will continue under the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Act.
