The Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued a landmark ruling stating that courts cannot rely solely on documentary evidence like nikahnama (marriage certificates) to resolve marriage disputes.

In a case involving allegations of abduction and forced marriage, Justice Anwaar Hussain emphasized that the entire chain of surrounding circumstances must be examined to determine the validity of a marriage.The court dismissed a petition challenging an appellate court's decision that favored a woman claiming she was forced into marriage.

The judgement highlighted that while documents like nikahnama or harassment petitions may initially support a claim, they are not conclusive if the marriage's foundation is questioned.The court stressed that the authenticity of consent must be assessed through all relevant circumstances before and after the marriage.

The ruling also noted that mere belonging to the same bradari (caste) does not legally validate a marriage, and parties must demonstrate a consensual relationship.

The decision underscores the importance of evaluating the entire context rather than relying on single pieces of evidence in complex marital disputes.