The Family Courts Act, 1964

4/5/2015
TheFamilyCourtsAct,1964
THEFAMILYCOURTSACT,1964
(ActXXXVof1964)
CONTENTS
SECTIONHEADING
1.Shorttitle,extentandcommencement.
2.Definitions.
3.EstablishmentofFamilyCourts.
4.QualificationsofJudge.
5.Jurisdiction.
6.Placeofsittings.
7.Institutionofsuits.
8.Intimationtodefendant.
9.Writtenstatement.
10.Pretrialproceedings.
11.Recordingofevidence.
12.Conclusionoftrial.
12A.Casestobedisposedofwithinaspecifiedperiod.
13.Enforcementofdecrees.
14.Appeals.
15.PowerofFamilyCourttosummonwitnesses.
16.ContemptofFamilyCourts.
17.ProvisionsofEvidenceActandCodeofCivilProcedurenottoapply.
17A.Suitformaintenance.
17B.PoweroftheCourttoissueCommission.
18.Appearancethroughagents.
19.Courtfee.
20.FamilyCourtasJudicialMagistrate.
21.ProvisionsofMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961notaffected.
21A.Interimorderpendingsuit.
21B.IntimationtoArbitrationCouncil.
22.BarontheissueofinjunctionsbyFamilyCourt.
23.ValidityofmarriagesregisteredundertheMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961,nottobe
questionedbyFamilyCourts.
24.FamilyCourtstoinformUnionCouncilsofcasesnotregisteredundertheMuslimFamily
LawsOrdinance,1961.
25.FamilyCourtdeemedtobeaDistrictCourtforpurposesofGuardiansandWardsAct,
1890.
25A.Transferofcases.
25B.StayofproceedingsbytheHighCourtandDistrictCourts.
26.Powertomakerules.
SCHEDULE
[1]
THEFAMILYCOURTSACT,1964
(ActXXXVof1964)
[18July1964]
http://punjablaws.gov.pk/laws/177.html
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AnActtomakeprovisionfortheestablishmentofFamilyCourts.
Preamble.WHEREASitisexpedienttomakeprovisionfortheestablishmentofFamilyCourtsforthe
expeditious settlement and disposal of disputes relating to marriage and family affairs and for matters
connectedtherewith
Itisherebyenactedasfollows:
1.Shorttitle,extentandcommencement.(1)ThisActmaybecalledthe
Act,1964.
[2]
[***]FamilyCourts
[3]
[(2)ItshallextendtowholeofthePunjab.]
(3)ItshallcomeintoforceinsuchareaorareasandonsuchdateordatesasGovernmentmay,by
notificationintheofficialGazette,specifyinthisbehalf.
[4]
[(4)NothinginthisActshallapplytoanysuitoranyapplicationundertheGuardiansandWards
Act,1890,pendingfortrialorhearinginanyCourtimmediatelybeforethecomingintoforceofthisAct,
andallsuchsuitsandapplicationsshallbeheardanddisposedofasifthisActwasnotinforce.
(5)Anysuit,oranyapplicationundertheGuardiansandWardsAct,1890,whichwaspendingfortrialor
hearinginanyCourtimmediatelybeforethecomingintoforceofthisAct,andwhichhasbeendismissed
solelyonthegroundthatsuchsuitorapplicationistobetriedbyaFamilyCourtestablishedunderthisAct,
shall,notwithstandinganythingtothecontrarycontainedinanylaw,onpetitionmadetoitinthatbehalfby
anypartytothesuitorapplication,betriedandheardbysuchCourtfromthestageatwhichsuchsuitor
applicationhadreachedatthetimeofitsdismissal.]
[5]
2. Definitions. [(1)] In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions
shallhavethemeaningsherebyrespectivelyassignedtothem,thatistosay
(a)ArbitrationCouncilandChairmanshallhavethemeaningsrespectivelyassignedtothem
intheMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961
(b)FamilyCourtmeansaCourtconstitutedunderthisAct
[6]
[(c)GovernmentmeansGovernmentofthePunjab]
(d)partyshallincludeanypersonwhosepresenceassuchisconsiderednecessaryforaproper
decisionofthedisputeandwhomtheFamilyCourtaddsasapartytosuchdispute
[7]
(e)prescribedmeansprescribedbyrulesmadeunderthisAct []
[8]
[(f)SchedulemeanstheScheduleappendedtotheActand
(g)UnionCouncilmeansaUnionCouncil,MunicipalCommittee,CantonmentBoard,Union
Administration or, in case of absence of any of these local governments in a local area, any
othercomparablebodyorauthorityconstitutedunderanylawrelatingtothelocalgovernments
orlocalauthorities.]
[9]
[(2) Words and expressions used in this Act but not herein defined, shall have the meanings
respectivelyassignedtothemintheCodeofCivilProcedure,1908.]
[10]
[3.EstablishmentofFamilyCourts.(1)GovernmentshallestablishoneormoreFamilyCourtsin
eachDistrictoratsuchotherplaceorplacesasitmaydeemnecessaryandappointaJudgeforeachof
suchCourt:
ProvidedthatatleastoneFamilyCourtineachDistrict,shallbepresidedoverbyawomanJudgeto
[11]
beappointedwithinaperiodofsixmonthsorwithinsuchperiodasthe [Governmentmayextend].
(2)AwomanJudgemaybeappointedformorethanoneDistrictandinsuchcasesthewomanJudgemay
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[12]
sitforthedisposalofcasesatsuchplaceorplacesineitherDistrict,asthe [*]Governmentmayspecify.
(3)Governmentshall,inconsultationwiththeHighCourt,appointasmanywomanJudgesasmaybe
necessaryforthepurposesofsubsection(1).]
[13]
[4.QualificationsofJudge.NopersonshallbeappointedasaJudgeofaFamilyCourtunlessheis
[14]
orhasbeen [orisqualifiedtobeappointedas]aDistrictJudge,anAdditionalDistrictJudge,
CivilJudgeoraQaziappointedundertheDasturulAmalDiwani,RiasatKalat].
[15]
[a
[16]
5.Jurisdiction. [1]SubjecttotheprovisionsoftheMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961,andthe
Conciliation Courts Ordinance, 1961, the Family Courts shall have exclusive jurisdiction to entertain,
[17]
hearandadjudicateuponmattersspecifiedin
[PartIoftheSchedule].
[18]
[(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of
1898),theFamilyCourt shall have jurisdiction to try the offences specified in Part II of the Schedule,
whereoneofthespousesisvictimofanoffencecommittedbytheother.]
[19]
[(3)TheGovernmentmayamendtheSchedulethroughaddition,deletionorsubstitutionofany
entryintheSchedule.]
6.Placeofsittings.SubjecttoanygeneralorspecialordersofGovernmentinthisbehalfaFamily
[20]
Court shall hold its sittings at such place or places within

[the District or area for which it is
established]asmaybespecifiedbytheDistrictJudge.
7.Institutionofsuits.(1)EverysuitbeforeaFamilyCourtshallbeinstitutedbythepresentationofa
plaintorinsuchothermannerandinsuchCourtasmaybeprescribed.
[21]
(2)Theplaintshallcontainall [material]factsrelatingtothedisputeandshallcontainaSchedule
givingthenumberofwitnessesintendedtobeproducedinsupportoftheplaint,thenamesandaddresses
ofthewitnessesandbriefsummaryofthefactstowhichtheywoulddepose:
[22]
[Provided that a plaint for dissolution of marriage may contain all claims relating to dowry,
maintenance,dower,personalpropertyandbelongingsofwife,custodyofchildrenandvisitationrights
ofparentstomeettheirchildren:]
[23]
Provided [further]thatpartiesmay,withthepermissionoftheCourt,callanywitnessatanylater
stage,iftheCourtconsiderssuchevidenceexpedientintheinterestofjustice.
[24]
[(3)(i)Whereaplaintiffsuesorreliesuponadocumentinhispossessionorpower,heshall
produce it in court when the plaint is presented, and shall at the same time, deliver the document or a
copythereoftobefiledwiththeplaint.
(ii)Wherehereliesonanyotherdocumentnotinhispossessionorpower,asevidenceinsupportof
[25]
his claim, he shall enter such documents in a list to be appended to the plaint
[giving reasons of
relevancyofthesedocumentstotheclaimintheplaint].]
(4)TheplaintshallbeaccompaniedbyasmanyduplicatecopiesthereofincludingtheScheduleandthe
lists of documents referred to in subsection (3), as there are defendants in the suit, for service upon the
defendants.
[26]
[8.Intimationtodefendant.(1)WhenaplaintispresentedtoaFamilyCourt,itshall:
(a)fixadatewhichshallnotbemorethanfifteendaysfortheappearanceofthedefendant
(b) withintwodaysofthepresentationoftheplaint,sentanoticeorsummonsofthesuittoa
defendant through a process serving agency of the Family Court, registered post
acknowledgmentdue,electronicallyorthroughcourier,togetherwithacopyoftheplaint,a
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copy of the schedule referred to in subsection (2) of section 7 and copies of the documents
andalistofdocumentsreferredtoinsubsection(3)ofsection7and
(c) directthatthenoticeorsummonsissuedunderclause(b)alsobeservedthroughaffixation
andshallsimultaneouslyissueaproclamationinanewspaper.
(2)While issuing the notice or summons to a defendant, the Family Court shall require the
defendanttosubmitawrittenstatementonthedaymentionedinthenoticeorsummons.]
[27]
[28]
[9.Writtenstatement. [(1)Onthedatefixedundersection8,thedefendantshallappearbefore
theFamilyCourtandfilethewrittenstatement,alistofwitnessesandgistofevidence,andincasethe
written statement is not filed on that date, the Family Court may, for any sufficient reasons which
preventedthedefendantfromsubmittingthewrittenstatement,allowthedefendanttosubmitthewritten
statementandotherdocumentsonthenextdatewhichshallnotexceedfifteendaysfromthatdate.]
[29]
[(la)Adefendanthusbandmay,wherenoearliersuitforrestitutionofconjugalrightsispending,
claim for a decree of restitution of conjugal rights in his written statement to a suit for dissolution of
marriageormaintenance,whichshallbedeemedasaplaintandnoseparatesuitshalllieforit.
(1b)Adefendantwifemay,inthewrittenstatementtoasuitforrestitutionofconjugalrights,makea
claimfordissolutionofmarriageincludingkhulawhichshallbedeemedasaplaintandnoseparatesuit
shalllieforit:Providedthattheprovisotosubsection(4)ofSection10shallapplywherethedecreefor
dissolutionofmarriageistobepassedonthegroundofkhula.]
(2)Whereadefendantreliesuponadocumentinhispossessionorpower,heshallproduceitorcopy
thereofintheCourtalongwiththewrittenstatement.
(3)Wherehereliesonanyotherdocument,notinhispossessionorpower,asevidenceinsupportof
[30]
hiswrittenstatement,heshallentersuchdocumentsinalisttobeappendedtothewrittenstatement
[givingreasonsofrelevancyofthesedocumentstothedefenceinthewrittenstatement].
(4)Copiesofthewrittenstatement,listofwitnessesandprecisofevidencereferredtoinsubsection
(1)andthedocumentsreferredtoinsubsection(2)shallbegiventotheplaintiff,hisagentoradvocate
presentintheCourt.
(5)IfthedefendantfailstoappearonthedatefixedbytheFamilyCourtforhisappearance,then
(a)ifitisprovedthatthesummonsornoticewasdulyservedonthedefendant,theFamilyCourtmay
proceedex parte provided that where theFamilyCourt hasadjourned the hearing of the suitex
parte,anddefendantatorbeforesuchhearingappearsandassignsgoodcauseforhispreviousnon
appearance,hemay,uponsuchtermsastheFamilyCourtdirects,behearedinanswertothesuitas
ifhehadappearedonthedayfixedforhisappearanceand
(b)ifitisnotprovedthatthedefendantwasdulyservedasprovidedinsubsection(4)ofsection
8, the Family Court shall issue fresh summons and notices to the defendant and cause the
sametobeservedinthemannerprovidedinclauses(b)and(c)ofsubsection(1)ofsection8.
[31]
[(5A)Ifthedefendantfailstosubmitthewrittenstatementonorbeforethedateundersubsection
(1),thedefenceofthedefendantshallstandstruckoffandtheFamilyCourtshalldecidethecaseunder
thelaw.]
(6)InanycaseinwhichadecreeispassedexparteagainstadefendantunderthisAct,hemayapply
[32]
within [thirty days of the service of notice under subsection (7) of the passing of the decree] to the
Family Court by which the decree was passed for an order to set it aside, and if he satisfies the Family
Courtthathewasnotdulyserved,orthathewaspreventedbyanysufficientcausefromappearingwhen
thesuitwasheardorcalledforhearing,theFamilyCourtshall,afterserviceofnoticeontheplaintiff,and
onsuchtermsastocostsasitdeemsfit,makeanorderforsettingasidethedecreeasagainsthim,andshall
appointadayforproceedingwiththesuitprovidedthatwherethedecreeisofsuchanaturethatitcannot
besetasideasagainstsuchdefendantonly,itmaybesetasideagainstalloranyoftheotherdefendants
also.]
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[33]
[(7)Thenoticeofpassingoftheexpartedecreereferredtoinsubsection(6)shallbesenttothe
defendant by the Family Court together with a certified copy of the decree within three days of the
passing of the decree, through process server or by registered post, acknowledgement due, or through
courierserviceoranyothermodeormannerasitmaydeemfit.
(8) Service of notice and its accompaniment in the manner provided in subsection (7) shall be
deemedtobedueserviceofthenoticeanddecreeonthedefendant.]
[34]
10.Pretrialproceedings. [(1)Whenthewrittenstatementisfiled,theCourtshallfixanearly
dateforapretrialhearingofthecase.]
(2)Onthedatesofixed,theCourtshallexaminetheplaint,thewrittenstatement(ifany)andthe
precisofevidenceanddocumentsfiledbythepartiesandshallalso,ifitsodeemsfit,hearthepartiesand
theircounsel.
[35]
[(3) The Family Court may, at the pretrial stage, ascertain the precise points of controversy
betweenthepartiesandattempttoeffectcompromisebetweentheparties.]
[36]
[(4)Subjecttosubsection(5),ifcompromiseisnotpossiblebetweentheparties,theFamilyCourt
may,ifnecessary,frameprecisepointsofcontroversyandrecordevidenceoftheparties.]
[37]
[(5) In a suit for dissolution of marriage, if reconciliation fails, the Family Court shall
immediately pass a decree for dissolution of marriage and, in case of dissolution of marriage through
khula, may direct the wife to surrender up to fifty percent of her deferred dower or up to twentyfive
percentofheradmittedpromptdowertothehusband.]
[38]
[(6)Subjecttosubsection(5),inthedecreefordissolutionofmarriage,theFamilyCourtshall
directthehusbandtopaywholeorpartoftheoutstandingdeferreddowertothewife.]
[39]
11.Recordingofevidence.(1)Onthedatefixedfor [recordingoftheevidence]theFamilyCourt
shallexaminethewitnessesproducedbythepartiesinsuchorderasitdeemsfit.
[40]
[(1A)TheFamilyCourtshallrecordorcausetoberecorded,thesubstanceofthestatementofa
witness or may record or cause to be recorded, the statement of a witness through audio or video
recording.]
(2)TheCourtshallnotissueanysummonsfortheappearanceofanywitnessunless,withinthree
days of the framing of issues, any party intimates the Court that it desires a witness to be summoned
throughtheCourtandtheCourtissatisfiedthatitisnotpossibleorpracticableforsuchpartytoproduce
thewitness.
[41]
[(3)Thewitnessesshallgivetheirevidenceintheirownwords:
Provided that the parties or their counsel may further examine, crossexamine or reexamine the
witnesses:
Provided further that the Family Court may forbid any question which it regards as indecent,
scandalousorfrivolousorwhichappearstoittobeintendedtoinsultorannoyorneedlesslyoffensivein
form.]
[42]
[(3A)TheFamilyCourtmay,ifitsodeemsfit,putanyquestiontoanywitnessforthepurposes
ofelucidationofanypointwhichitconsidersmaterialinthecase.]
(4)TheFamilyCourtmaypermittheevidenceofanywitnesstobegivenbymeansofanaffidavit:
Provided that if the Court deems fit it may call such witness for the purpose of examination in
accordancewithsubsection(3).
12.Conclusionoftrial.(1)Afterthecloseofevidenceofbothsides,theFamilyCourtshallmake
another effort to effect a compromise or reconciliation between the parties
exceedingfifteendays].
[43]
[within a period not

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(2) If such compromise or reconciliation is not possible, the Family Court shall announce its
judgementandgiveadecree.
[44]
[12A.Casestobedisposedofwithinaspecifiedperiod.TheFamilyCourtshalldisposeofacase,
includingasuitfordissolutionofmarriage,withinaperiodofsixmonthsfromthedateofinstitution:
Providedthatwhereacaseisnotdisposedofwithinsixmonths,eitherpartyshallhavearightto
makeanapplicationtotheHighCourtfornecessarydirectionastheHighCourtmaydeemfit.]
13. Enforcement of decrees. (1) The Family Court shall pass a decree in such form and in such
mannerasmaybeprescribed,andshallenteritsparticularsintheprescribedregister.
(2)IfanymoneyispaidoranypropertyisdeliveredinthepresenceoftheFamilyCourt,insatisfactionof
[45]
thedecree,itshallenterthefactofpayment [or]thedeliveryofproperty,asthecasemaybe,intheaforesaid
register.
(3)Whereadecreerelatestothepaymentofmoneyandthedecretalamountisnotpaidwithintime
[46]
specifiedbytheCourt [notexceedingthirtydays],thesameshall,iftheCourtsodirectsberecovered
asarrearsoflandrevenue,andonrecoveryshallbepaidtothedecreeholder.
(4)ThedecreeshallbeexecutedbytheCourt,passingitorbysuchotherCivilCourtastheDistrictJudge
may,byspecialorgeneralorder,direct.
(5)AFamilyCourtmay,ifitsodeemsfit,directthatanymoneytobepaidunderadecreepassedbyitbe
paidinsuchinstallmentsasitdeemsfit.
[47]
14.Appeals. [(1)Notwithstandinganythingprovidedinanyotherlawforthetimebeinginforce,
adecisiongivenoradecreepassedbyaFamilyCourtshallbeappealable
(a)totheHighCourt,wheretheFamilyCourtispresidedoverbyaDistrictJudge,anAdditional
District Judge or a person notified by Government to be of the rank and status of a District
JudgeoranAdditionalDistrictJudgeand
(b)totheDistrictCourt,inanyothercase.]
(2)NoappealshallliefromadecreepassedbyFamilyCourt
(a)fordissolutionofmarriage,exceptinthecaseofdissolutionforreasonsspecifiedinclause
(a)ofitem(viii)ofsection2oftheDissolutionofMuslimMarriagesAct,1939
[48]
(b)fordower
[49]
[ordowry]notexceedingrupees
(c)formaintenanceofrupees
[onehundredthousand]
[50]
[fivethousand]orlesspermonth.
[51]
[(3)NoappealorrevisionshalllieagainstaninterimorderpassedbyaFamilyCourt.
(4)TheappellateCourtreferredtoinsubsection(1)shalldisposeoftheappealwithinaperiodof
fourmonths.]
15.PowerofFamilyCourttosummonwitnesses.(1)AFamilyCourtmayissuesummonstoany
persontoappearandgiveevidence,ortoproduceorcausetheproductionofanydocument:
Providedthat
(a)nopersonwhoisexemptfrompersonalappearanceinaCourtundersubsection(1)ofsection
133oftheCodeofCivilProcedure,1908,shallberequiredtoappearinperson
(b)aFamilyCourtmayrefusetosummonawitnessortoenforceasummonsalreadyissuedagainst
a witness when, in the opinion of the Court, the attendance of the witness cannot be procured
withoutsuchdelay,expenseorinconvenienceasinthecircumstanceswouldbeunreasonable.
(2)IfanypersontowhomaFamilyCourthasissuedsummonstoappearandgiveevidenceorto
causetheproductionofanydocumentbeforeit,willfullydisobeyssuchsummons,theFamilyCourtmay
take cognizance of such disobedience, and after giving such opportunity to explain, sentence him to a
[52]
fine
[offivethousand]rupees.
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16. Contempt of Family Courts. A person shall be guilty of contempt of the Family Court if he
withoutlawfulexcuse
(a)offersanyinsulttotheFamilyCourtor
(b)causesaninterruptionintheworkoftheFamilyCourtor
[53]
[(bb)misbehaveswithanypersonintheCourtpremisesorusesabusivelanguagethreatsoruses
physicalforceorintimidatesinanyformor]
(c)refusestoansweranyquestionputbytheFamilyCourt,whichheisboundtoansweror
(d)refusestotakeoathtostatethetruthortosignanystatementmadebyhimintheFamilyCourt
andtheFamilyCourtmayforthwithtrysuchpersonforsuchcontemptandsentencehimtoafinenot
[54]
exceedingrupees
[twothousand].
17.ProvisionsofEvidenceActandCodeofCivilProcedurenottoapply.(1)Saveasotherwise
expresslyprovidedbyorunderthisAct,theprovisionsofthe
of 1984)], and the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908,
[55]
[QanuneShahadat,1984(P.O.No.10
[56]
[except sections 10 and 11,] shall not apply to
[57]
proceedingsbeforeanyFamilyCourt [inrespectofPartIofSchedule].
(2)Sections8to11oftheOathsAct,1872,shallapplytoallproceedingsbeforetheFamilyCourts.
[58]
[17A.Suitformaintenance.(1)Inasuitformaintenance,theFamilyCourtshall,onthedateof
the first appearance of the defendant, fix interim monthly maintenance for wife or a child and if the
defendantfailstopaythemaintenancebyfourteendayofeachmonth,thedefenceofthedefendantshall
standstruckoffandtheFamilyCourtshalldecreethesuitformaintenanceonthebasisofavermentsin
theplaintandothersupportingdocumentsonrecordofthecase.
(2)Inadecreeformaintenance,theFamilyCourtmay:
(a) fix an amount of maintenance higher than the amount prayed for in the plaint due to
affluxoftimeoranyotherrelevantcircumstancesand
(b)prescribetheannualincreaseinthemaintenance.
(3) If the Family Court does not prescribe the annual increase in the maintenance, the
maintenancefixedbytheCourtshallautomaticallystandincreasedattherateoftenpercenteachyear.
(4) For purposes of fixing the maintenance, the Family Court may summon the relevant
documentaryevidencefromanyorganization,bodyorauthoritytodeterminetheestateandresourcesof
thedefendant.]
[59]
[17B.PoweroftheCourttoissueCommission.Subjecttosuchconditionsandlimitationsasmay
beprescribed,theCourtmayissueaCommissionto,
(a)examineanyperson
(b)makealocalinvestigationand
(c)inspectanypropertyordocument.]
18.Appearancethroughagents.IfapersonrequiredunderthisActtoappearbeforeaFamilyCourt,
otherwisethanasawitness,isapardahnashinlady,theFamilyCourtmaypermithertoberepresented
byadulyauthorisedagent.
[60]
[19.Courtfee.NotwithstandinganythingcontainedintheCourtFeesAct,1870(VIIof1870),the
Courtfeetobepaidonanyplaintormemorandumofappealshallberupeesfifteenforanykindofsuitor
appealunderthisAct.]
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[61]
[20. Family Court as Judicial Magistrate. (1) A Family Court shall be deemed as the Judicial
Magistrate of the first class under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898) for taking
cognizanceandtrialofanyoffenceunderthisActtheMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961(VIIIof
1961)and,theChildMarriageRestraintAct,1929(XIXof1929).
(2)AFamilyCourtshallconductthetrialofanoffenceundersubsection(1)inaccordancewiththe
provisions of Chapter XXII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (V of 1898) relating to the
summarytrials.
(3)AnoffenceotherthancontemptofaFamilyCourtshallbecognizableonthecomplaintofthe
UnionCouncil,ArbitrationCouncilortheaggrievedparty.]
[62]
[21.ProvisionsofMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961notaffected.NothinginthisActshallbe
deemed to affect any of the provisions of Muslims Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, or the rules made
thereunder.]
[63]
[21A. Interim order pending suit.The Family Court may pass an interim order to preserve and
protectanypropertyindisputeinasuit.andanyotherpropertyofapartytothesuit,thepreservationof
whichisconsiderednecessaryforsatisfactionofthedecree,ifandwhenpassed.]
[64]
[21B. Intimation to Arbitration Council. If a Family Court decrees dissolution of a Muslim

marriage, the Family Court shall immediately but not later than three days from the decree send by
registeredpostorothermeansacertifiedcopyofthedecreetotheconcernedChairmanoftheArbitration
Councilanduponreceiptofthedecree,theChairmanshallproceedasifhehadreceivedintimationof
TalaqundertheMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961(VIIIof1961).]
22.BarontheissueofinjunctionsbyFamilyCourt.AFamilyCourtshallnothavethepowerto
issueaninjunctionto,orstayanyproceedingspendingbefore,aChairmanoranArbitrationCouncil.
23. Validity of marriages registered under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, not to be
questionedbyFamilyCourts.AFamilyCourtshallnotquestionthevalidityofanymarriageregisteredin
accordancewiththeprovisionsoftheMuslimFamilyLawsOrdinance,1961,norshallanyevidenceinregard
theretobeadmissiblebeforesuchCourt.
24. Family Courts to inform Union Councils of cases not registered under the Muslim Family
LawsOrdinance,1961.IfinanyproceedingsbeforeaFamilyCourtitisbroughttothenoticeofthe
Court that a marriage solemnized under the Muslim Law after the coming into force of the Muslim
Family Laws Ordinance, 1961, has not been registered in accordance with the provisions of the said
Ordinance and the rules framed thereunder, the Court shall communicate such fact in writing to the
UnionCouncilfortheareawherethemarriagewassolemnized.
25.FamilyCourtdeemedtobeaDistrictCourtforpurposesofGuardiansandWardsAct,1890.
AFamilyCourtshallbedeemedtobeaDistrictCourtforthepurposesoftheGuardiansandWardsAct,
1890,andnotwithstandinganythingcontainedinthisAct,shall,indealingwithmattersspecifiedinthat
Act,followtheprocedureprescribedinthatAct.
[65]
[25A.Transferofcases.(1)NotwithstandinganythingcontainedinanylawtheHighCourtmay,
eitherontheapplicationofanypartyorofitsownaccord,byanorderinwriting
(a)transferanysuitorproceedingunderthisActfromoneFamilyCourttoanotherFamily
Court in the same district or from a Family Court of one district to a Family Court of
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anotherdistrictand
(b)transferanyappealorproceedingunderthisAct,fromtheDistrictCourtofonedistrictto
theDistrictCourtofanotherdistrict.
(2)ADistrictCourtmay,eitherontheapplicationofanypartyorofitsownaccord,byanorderin
writing,transferanysuitorproceedingunderthisActfromoneFamilyCourttoanotherFamilyCourtin
adistrictortoitselfanddisposeitofasaFamilyCourt.
[66]
[(2a)WhereaFamilyCourtremainsvacantorthepresidingofficerremainsonleaveorabsentfor
any reason, except due to vacations, for more than thirty days a District Court may, either on the
applicationofanypartyorofitsownaccord,byorderinwriting,transferanysuitorproceedingfrom
suchFamilyCourttoanotherFamilyCourtinaDistrictortoitselfanddisposeditofasaFamilyCourt.
(2b)Ontheapplicationofanyofthepartiesandafternoticeto.thepartiesandafterhearingsuchof
themasdesiretobeheard,orofitsownmotionwithoutsuchnotice,theSupremeCourtmayatanystage
transferanysuit,appealorotherproceedingsunderthisActpendingbeforeaCourtinoneProvincetoa
CourtinanotherProvince,competenttotryordisposeofthesame.]
(3)AnyCourttowhichasuit,appealorproceedingistransferredundertheprecedingsubsections,
shall,notwithstandinganythingcontainedinthisAct,havethejurisdictiontodisposeitofinthemanner
asifitwereinstitutedorfiledbeforeit:
Providedthatonthetransferofasuit,itshallnotbenecessarytocommencetheproceedingsbefore
thesucceedingJudgedenovounlesstheJudge,forreasonstoberecordedinwritingdirectsotherwise.]
[67]
[25B.StayofproceedingsbytheHighCourtandDistrictCourts.Anysuit,appealorproceeding
underthisAct,maybestayed
(a)bytheDistrictCourt,ifthesuitorproceedingispendingbeforeaFamilyCourtwithinits
jurisdictionand
[68]
(b)bytheHighCourt,inthecaseofanysuit,appealorproceeding
[:]]
[69]
[ProvidedthatthestayapplicationshallbefinallydecidedbytheDistrictCourtortheHighCourt,
asthecasemaybe,withinthirtydaysfailingwhichtheinterimstayordershallceasetobeoperative.]
26.Powertomakerules.(1)Governmentmay,bynotificationintheofficialGazette,makerulesto
carryintoeffecttheprovisionsofthisAct.
(2)Withoutprejudicetothegeneralityoftheprovisionscontainedinsubsection(1),therulesso
made may, among other matters, provide for the procedure, which shall not be inconsistent with the
provisionsofthisAct,tobefollowedbytheFamilyCourts.
SCHEDULE
[SEESECTION5]
[70]
[PARTI]
[71]
1.Dissolutionofmarriage [includingKhula].
2.Dower.
3.Maintenance.
4.Restitutionofconjugalrights.
[72]
5.Custodyofchildren
6.Guardianship.
[andthevisitationrightsofparentstomeetthem].
[73]
[7.Jactitationofmarriage.]
[74]
[8.Dowry.]
[75]
[9.Thepersonalpropertyandbelongingsofawifeandachildlivingwithhismother.
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10.AnyothermatterarisingoutoftheNikahnama.]
[76]
[PARTII
OffencesandaidandabetmentthereofunderSection337A(i),337F(i),341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346,
352and509ofthePakistanPenalCode(ActXLVofl860)]
[1]
ForstatementofobjectsandreasonsseeGazetteofWestPakistan(Extraordinary),dated6thApril,1964,pages1153Pto1155W.
ThisActwaspassedbytheWestPakistanAssemblyon30thJune,1964assentedtobytheGovernorofWestPakistanon14thJuly,1964and,published
intheWestPakistanGazette(Extraordinary),dated18thJuly,1964,pages242734.
[2]
ThewordsWestPakistanomittedbytheFamilyCourt(Amendment)Act,1996(FederalActXof1996).
[3]
SubstitutedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015)forthefollowing:
(2)Itextendstothewholeof[Pakistan].
The word Pakistan was earlier substituted by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O. 4 of 1975), for the Province of West
PakistanexcepttheTribalAreas.
[4]
AddedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[5]
Section2renumberedassubsection(1)ofthatsectionbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[6]
(c)Governmentmeans[theProvincialGovernment].
The words the Provincial Government were earlier substituted by the Federal Adaptation of Laws Order, 1975 (P.O. 4 of 1975), for the
GovernmentofWestPakistan.
[7]
SubstitutedforthefullstopbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[8]
InsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[9]
Newsubsection(2)addedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[10]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1994(FederalActXXIof1994).
[11]
Substituted by the Family Courts (Amendment) Act 2015 (XI of 2015) for Federal Government may, on the request of Provincial Government,
extend.
[12]
ThewordProvincialomittedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[13]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[14]
InsertedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1994(FederalActXXIof1994).
[15]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1969(Iof1969),foraCivilJudge.
[16]
Section5renumberedassubsection(1)bytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[17]
SubstitutedfortheSchedulebytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[18]
Newsubsection(2)addedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[19]
The following subsection (3) was added by the Family Courts (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 (LV of 2002) and substituted by the Family Courts
(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015):
(3)TheHighCourtmay,withtheapprovaloftheGovernment,amendtheSchedulesoastoalter,deleteoraddanyentrythereto.
[20]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966),fortheDistricts.
[21]
InsertedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[22]
InsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[23]
[24]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1969(Iof1969).
[25]
AddedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[26]
Thefollowingsection8,havingbeenpreviouslysubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1969(Iof1969),andsuccessively
beenamendedbyvariousenactments,wassubstitutedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015):
8.Intimationtodefendants.(1)WhenaplaintispresentedtoaFamilyCourt,it
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(a)[shall]fixadate[**]ofnotmorethanthirtydaysfortheappearanceofthedefendant
(b)shallissuesummonstothedefendanttoappearonadatespecifiedtherein
[(c)shall, within three days of the presentation of the plaint, send to each defendant, by registered post, acknowledgment due, [or by courier
serviceorbyboth]anoticeofthesuit,togetherwithacopyoftheplaint,acopyoftheSchedulereferredtoinsubsection(2)ofsection7
andcopiesofthedocumentsandalistofdocumentsreferredtoinsubsection(3)ofthesaidsection].
(2)Everysummonsissuedunderclause(b)ofsubsection(1)shallbeaccompaniedbyacopyoftheplaint,acopyoftheSchedulereferredtoinsub
section(2)ofsection7,andcopiesofthedocumentsandlistofdocumentsreferredtoinsubsection(3)ofthesaidsection.
[(3)*******]
(4)Service of the plaint and its accompaniments in the manner provided in clause (b)orclause(c) of subsection (1) shall be deemed to be due
serviceoftheplaintuponthedefendant.
(5)Everynoticeanditsaccompanimentsunderclause(c)ofsubsection(1)shallbeservedattheexpenseoftheplaintiff.Thepostalchargesforsuchserviceshall
bedepositedbytheplaintiffatthetimeoffilingtheplaint.
(6)Summonsissuedunderclause(b)ofsubsection(1)shallbeservedinthemannerprovidedintheCodeofCivilProcedure,1908,OrderV,Rules
9,10,11,16,17,18,19,[20,]21,23,24,26,27,28and29.ThecostofsuchsummonsshallbeassessedandpaidasforsummonsissuedundertheCodeof
CivilProcedure,1908.
Explanation[****]
[27]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(PunjabAmendment)Ordinance,1971(XXIVof1971).
[28]
(1)Onthedatefixedunderclause(a) of subsection (1) of section 8, the plaintiff and the defendant shall appear before the Family Court and the
defendantshallfilehiswrittenstatement,andattachtherewithalistofhiswitnessesalongwithaprecisoftheevidencethateachwitnessisexpected
togive.
[29]
Newsubsections(1a)and(1b)insertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[30]
[31]
InsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[32]
SubstitutedforthewordsreasonabletimeofthepassingthereofbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[33]
Newsubsections(7)and(8)addedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[34]
[35]
(3) At the pretrial, the Court shall ascertain the points at issue between the parties and attempt to effect a compromise or reconciliation
betweentheparties,ifthisbepossible.
[36]
(4)IfnocompromiseorreconciliationispossibletheCourtshallframetheissuesinthecaseandfixadateforrecordingofevidence:
ProvidedthatnotwithstandinganydecisionorjudgmentofanyCourtortribunal,theFamilyCourt in a suit for dissolution of marriage, if
reconciliationfails,shallpassdecreefordissolutionofmarriageforthwithandshallalsorestoretothehusbandtheHaqMehr received by the
wifeinconsiderationofmarriageatthetimeofmarriage.
[37]
Newsubsection(5)insertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[38]
Newsubsection(6)insertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[39]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1969(Iof1969),forthehearingoftheevidence.
[40]
Newsubsection(1A)insertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[41]
[42]
AddedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1969(Iof1969).
[43]
[44]
The following section 12A was added by the Family Courts (Amendment) Act, 1996 (Federal Act X of 1996) and substituted by the Family Courts
(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002):
12A.Certaincasestobedisposedofwithinaspecifiedperiod.Notwithstandinganythingcontainedhereinbefore,asuitfordissolution
ofmarriageshallfinallybedisposedofwithinaperiodoffourmonthsfromitsinstitution:
Providedthatwhereanappealliesagainstthedissolutionofmarriage,suchappealshallbedisposedofwithinfourmonths.
[45]
Substituted,forthewordand,bytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[46]
[47]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance,1966(Xof1966).
[48]
[49]
Substituted previously by the Family Courts (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 (LV of 2002) for fifteen thousand and then by the Family Courts
(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015)forthirtythousand.
[50]
Substituted previously by the Family Courts (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 (LV of 2002) for five hundred and then by the Family Courts
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(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015)foronethousand.
[51]
Newsubsections(3)and(4)addedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[52]
SubstitutedfornotexceedingonethousandbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[53]
[54]
SubstitutedforthewordtwohundredbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[55]
SubstitutedforEvidenceAct,1872bytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[56]
InsertedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1967(XVof1967).
[57]
[58]
Thefollowingnewsection17AwasinsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LV of 2002) and substituted by the Family Courts

17A.Interimorderformaintenance.Atanystageofproceedingsinasuitformaintenance,theFamilyCourtmaypassaninterimorderfor
maintenance,whereunderthepaymentshallbemadebythefourteenthofeachmonth,failingwhichtheCourtmaystrikeoffthedefenceofthe
defendantanddecreethesuit.
[59]
NewsectionaddedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[60]
SubstitutedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002)forthefollowing:
19.Courtfees.NotwithstandinganythingtothecontrarycontainedintheCourtFeesAct,1872,thecourtfeestobepaidonanyplaintfiled
beforeaFamilyCourtshallberupee[fifteen]foranykindofsuit.
ThewordincrotchetswasearliersubstitutedbythePunjabFinanceAct,1973(XIVof1973),forone.
[61]
Section20substitutedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
AtthetimeoffirstsubstitutionbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002),theoriginalsection20readasunder:
20.InvestmentofpowersofMagistratesonJudges.GovernmentmayinvestanyJudgeofaFamilyCourtwithpowersofMagistrateFirst
Classto[makeorderformaintenance]undersection488oftheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1898.
[Note:ThewordsincrotchetshadbeensubstitutedbythePunjabFinanceAct,1973(XIVof1973),fortohearthecase.]
AftersubstitutionbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002),section20readasunder:
20.FamilyCourttoexercisethepowersoftheJudicialMagistrate.AFamilyCourt shall have and exercise all the powers of a Judicial
MagistrateoftheFirstClassundertheCodeofCriminalProcedure,1898(ActVof1898).
[62]
SubstitutedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(PunjabAmendment)Ordinance,1971(XXIVof1971).
[63]
NewsectioninsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[64]
NewsectioninsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act2015(XIof2015).
[65]
AddedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(PunjabAmendment)Ordinance,1971(XXIVof1971).
[66]
Newsubsections(2a)and(2b)insertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[67]
AddedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(PunjabAmendment)Ordinance,1971(XXIVof1971).
[68]
SubstitutedforthefullstopbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LVof2002).
[69]
[70]
[71]
[72]
[73]
AddedbytheWestPakistanFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1969(Iof1969).
[74]
AddedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Act,1997(FederalActVIIof1997).
Note:Thisamendmentshallnoteffectpendingcases(section3ibid).
[75]
The following new entry 9 was added by the Family Courts (Amendment) Ordinance 2002 (LV of 2002) and substituted by the Family Courts
9.Personalpropertyandbelongingsofawife.
[76]
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The Family Courts Act, 1964

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Court shall hold its sittings at such place or places within

[within a period not

[except sections 10 and 11,] shall not apply to

[21B. Intimation to Arbitration Council. If a Family Court decrees dissolution of a Muslim

Thefollowingnewsection17AwasinsertedbytheFamilyCourts(Amendment)Ordinance2002(LV of 2002) and substituted by the Family Courts

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