BAHAWALNAGAR: A wedding celebration in Punjab took an unexpected turn when police officers arrested a groom and his best man during a mehndi ceremony for allegedly violating the Punjab Sound Act, sparking outrage and condemnation across social media.
The incident took place in Basti Saddr Deen, where residents say the wedding party was in full swing when a police team from A-Division Police Station raided the event late at night.
According to police officials, the action was taken after receiving complaints that the music at the venue had exceeded permissible noise limits. The officers detained both the groom and his best man on the spot — while they were still dressed in their traditional wedding attire — and transported them to the local police station.
Public outrage over ‘humiliating’ arrests
The dramatic arrests quickly drew backlash from locals, who described the episode as a “shameful overreach of police authority.” Eyewitnesses said family members and guests repeatedly pleaded with officers to avoid disrupting the celebration, but their requests were ignored.
“The groom was humiliated in front of everyone,” said one resident who attended the ceremony. “It was supposed to be the happiest day of his life, and they turned it into a scene of public embarrassment.”
Videos and photos reportedly taken at the event have since gone viral on social media platforms, with users criticizing the police for showing “zero sense of empathy or proportionality.”
Court declares arrest unlawful
Following public uproar, the case was brought before a local court, which deemed the arrests unlawful and ordered the immediate release of both men. Legal experts argued that while the Sound Act allows authorities to regulate noise levels, arresting individuals without proper warnings or evidence constitutes a misuse of power.
Civil rights activists have also weighed in, calling for disciplinary action against the officers involved. “This is a blatant violation of citizens’ dignity,” said one human rights advocate. “The police should have issued a warning or fine, not dragged a groom and his best man to jail in wedding clothes.”
Call for accountability
Meanwhile, Bahawalnagar’s district police administration has reportedly initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. Senior officials stated that the department “does not condone excessive force or unnecessary arrests” and assured that corrective measures will be taken if misconduct is confirmed.
The incident has reignited debate over the implementation of the Punjab Sound Act, with many urging authorities to balance law enforcement with basic human decency — particularly during cultural and family events.
