OVERVIEW OF CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS ON POLYGAMY IN PAKISTAN By SEHRISH SABA RAJA Some questions of immense importance to consider while giving an over-view of the law on polygamy are: 1- Whether subsequent marriage is prohibited under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961? 2- What is the process to seek permission for subsequent marriage(s)? 3- From whom such permission is required to be taken under the law? 4- Which union/ arbitration council has jurisdiction to entertain such question? 5- What factors are required to be considered by the union/ arbitration council while granting the permission? 6- What is the procedure to be adopted by the union/ arbitration council? 7- What are the consequences for disobeying the law on the point? 8- Whether subsequent wife is also liable to be punished? 9- Which court has jurisdiction to entertain the criminal complaint on the subject? 10- What could be the possible punishment and how much discretion court can exercise while deciding the matter? Legislative Intent behind promulgation of Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 In Muhammad Akram Nadeem VS. Chairman Arbitration Council, Islamabad 2021 CLC 1947 Islamabad, it is elaborated that the “Legislative intent behind promulgating the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance 1961 included: firstly, that details of all marriages to be recorded in a register that would be available for public scrutiny; secondly, that in case of a subsequent marriage(s), the marriage would be a subject to prior permission granted pursuant to provisions of the said ordinance; thirdly, issuance of talaq effective certificate was preceded by an effort on part of Chairman aided by representatives of spouses to attempt a reconciliation within a period of 90 days from the pronouncement of divorce.” Relevant Provisions of Law: I- Section 6 The Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 II- Rule 3, 5, 6, 6-A, 14, 15, 16, and 21 of The W.P Rules under the Muslim Family Laws Ordinance, 1961 III- Sections 177, 178, 179, 180, 188 of Chapter XV and Sections 200, 201, 202, 203 of Chapter XVI of The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898