ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court has dismissed a petition filed by a woman in a case related to alleged sexual assault, following questions raised during the hearing about the sequence of events involving the alleged incident, marriage, and subsequent divorce.
The case was heard by a three-member bench headed by Justice Hassan Rizvi. During the proceedings, the bench questioned the circumstances presented in the case, particularly the timeline in which the alleged assault was followed by marriage between the complainant and the accused.
Court raises questions over sequence of events
During the hearing, Justice Hassan Rizvi questioned the petitioner’s counsel, asking why the woman would marry the same person if she had allegedly been assaulted by him. The judge noted that the situation appeared inconsistent and required clear explanation.
In response, the woman’s lawyer argued that the accused had allegedly married the complainant in an attempt to cover up the alleged crime.
Another judge, Justice Razi Khan, further questioned the legal and factual timeline, asking how the marriage ended in divorce shortly after it took place. According to the lawyer, the alleged assault took place on June 17, 2025, followed by a marriage between the parties on June 26, 2025, and a divorce on August 6, 2025.
The bench expressed concern over the unusually rapid sequence of events, questioning whether such developments were plausible within such a short timeframe.
Court remarks and decision
Justice Razi Khan remarked that the sequence of alleged events—sexual assault, marriage, and divorce occurring within weeks—appeared highly unusual. He noted that such narratives were often seen in fictional contexts rather than legal proceedings.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court dismissed the woman’s petition.
Legal sensitivity of the case
Cases involving allegations of sexual violence followed by marriage between the parties are legally complex and often require careful examination of consent, coercion, and surrounding circumstances. Courts typically rely on documentary evidence, witness statements, and procedural records to determine the credibility of such claims.
Legal experts note that each case must be evaluated on its individual facts, particularly where allegations involve sensitive issues such as coercion, pressure to marry, or attempts to compromise criminal proceedings through marriage.
Conclusion
The Federal Constitutional Court’s dismissal of the petition marks a significant procedural development in the case. However, the broader legal and factual questions surrounding the allegations remain subject to scrutiny depending on whether further proceedings are initiated in other forums or through additional legal remedies.
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