---Date of hearing to be carefully noted---Suit for dissolution of marriage, dowry articles, maintenance---Right of petitioner/defendant to file written statement was closed by Family Court-

 2022 C L C 391

(a) Family Courts Act (XXXV of 1964)---

----Ss.8 & 9---Constitutional petition---Date of hearing to be carefully noted---Suit for dissolution of marriage, dowry articles, maintenance---Right of petitioner/defendant to file written statement was closed by Family Court---Contention that petitioner failed to appear before Court on account of misunderstanding regarding date of hearing---Held, that Family Courts had been established for expeditious settlement/disposal of disputes relating to marriage/family affairs---Petitioner failed to appear on date of hearing but appeared more than 20 days after the date fixed in person and sought adjournment---Petitioner failed to submit written statement on due date was given final opportunity subject to costs---Presiding Officer, on next two dates was on leave---Finally petitioner's right was struck off---Opportunities/maximum statutory period was mechanically extended by Family Court in petitioner's favour without even recording sufficient reasons---Petitioner/his counsel had no lawful excuse for their negligence/indolence in noting down actual date of hearing and filing the written statement---Allowing the Constitutional petition would defeat the very purpose/object of Family Court Act, 1964 (i.e. expeditious settlement/disposal)---Constitutional petition was dismissed in limine.

(b) Constitution of Pakistan---

----Art.10A---Family Courts Act (XXXV of 1964), Ss. 8 & 9---Opportunity to file written statement---Scope---Right to fair trial only guarantees a fair opportunity to a defendant to defend himself in a trial for the determination of his civil rights/obligations---Requirement of fairness under Art. 10A does not warrant grant of numerous opportunities and several months to file written statement that too in disputes relating to marriage/family affairs.