9 Marriage Halls in Lahore Sealed for Breaking Punjab Marriage Laws

Lahore’s district administration has launched a strict crackdown on wedding halls violating the Punjab Marriage Functions Act 2016, sealing nine venues and imposing fines on 13 others for breaching legal regulations. Authorities cited violations of the one-dish policy and hosting events beyond permitted hours as the main reasons for enforcement.

Details of the Operation

The operation, carried out on Monday, targeted wedding halls across multiple tehsils in Lahore. Officials reported that:

• Saddar Tehsil: Three venues, including a farmhouse, were sealed for hosting events past the legal time limit.

• Model Town Tehsil: Out of three wedding halls near Wapda Town inspected, two were shut down due to serious violations.

• Allama Iqbal Tehsil: Two more halls were sealed for disregarding the one-dish rule and operating beyond allowed hours.

In addition to sealing, authorities imposed heavy fines on 13 other halls found to be non-compliant, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strict law enforcement.

Official Statements and Enforcement Approach

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, emphasized the administration’s firm stance on compliance.

“We are committed to enforcing the law and will ensure all wedding halls follow the one-dish and time restrictions,” he said.

The DC directed assistant commissioners to adopt a zero-tolerance policy, instructing them to seal any hall or farmhouse found violating the rules without exception.

“No hall owner is above the law. There will be no leniency for violators—fines and sealing will be enforced,” he added.

The administration clarified that these actions are intended to protect public welfare, maintain civic order, and ensure lawful conduct at social gatherings.

Understanding the Violations

The Punjab Marriage Functions Act 2016 sets clear guidelines for wedding venues, including the one-dish policy and time restrictions. Authorities noted that many venues have been habitually ignoring these regulations, prompting the current crackdown. Experts say strict implementation is necessary to curb excessive noise, traffic congestion, and unregulated commercial activity in residential neighborhoods.

Impact on the Wedding Industry

The recent operation has sent strong signals to venue owners across Lahore. Compliance with the rules is now mandatory, and any violation can result in severe penalties, including sealing of premises.

Local wedding planners have expressed cautious support for the measures, acknowledging that while the crackdown may temporarily disrupt operations, it promotes fairness and accountability in the sector.

“Following regulations benefits both the community and the business in the long term,” said Ayesha Khan, a Model Town-based wedding planner. “It ensures that events don’t disturb neighborhoods and maintains a level playing field among hall owners.”

Zero-Tolerance Enforcement Continues

The DC’s office confirmed that the crackdown will be ongoing, with routine inspections scheduled across Lahore to prevent late-night and oversized functions. Officials also warned that any future violations will be dealt with immediately, including fines, sealing of halls, and possible legal action against repeat offenders.

The administration stressed that the campaign is not aimed at discouraging legitimate businesses, but rather at ensuring public safety, civic order, and adherence to the law.

Lahore’s district authorities are signaling a new era of strict enforcement for wedding halls, demonstrating that legal compliance is non-negotiable. With nine halls sealed and 13 fined, the message is clear: all venue operators must follow the rules, or face serious consequences.

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