BAHAWALNAGAR — The Punjab police have arrested a groom during his mehndi ceremony for allegedly violating the Sound Act by playing loud music in Bahawalnagar.
According to reports, police entered the event and took the groom and one of his friends into custody, citing a breach of noise regulations.
Both men were taken to the police station still dressed in their wedding attire, sparking outrage among guests and family members who pleaded with officers to release them. Their requests, however, were ignored, and the duo spent the night in police custody.
The following day, on the groom’s wedding day, both men were presented before a judge. Witnesses said the judge appeared astonished to see the groom standing in his wedding clothes. The police requested a 14-day judicial remand, which the court rejected.
The groom’s lawyer argued that the police action was an act of retaliation and an attempt to gain attention, asserting that playing music during a wedding celebration is not a criminal offense.
The defense further stated that the Sound Act was designed to prevent gatherings or speeches that could incite religious, sectarian, or provincial discord, not to target cultural festivities such as weddings.
The court ordered the immediate release of the groom and his friend, ruling that the purpose of the Sound Act is to safeguard public order, not to suppress celebrations of personal happiness.
