Answer
(Fatwa: 1137/981=B-1429)
The reply of the Aalim is not right. A betrothed before nikah is like a strange to whom talking is not allowed either face to face or over the phone. However, since nikah is for whole life and has many advantages, so if the boy wants to have a look at the girl before nikah, then it is allowed, as it is in the Haidth:
قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: إذخطب أحدكم المرأة فإن استطاع أن ينظر إلى ما يدعو إلى نكاحها فليفعل (ابو داؤد)
Instead of seeing her yourself, it is better to send any experienced woman from amongst aunty (paternal or maternal) etc. Since a man can only see the face while a woman can see the face as well as she can gather other information about the way of living, atmosphere of the house etc.
Allah (Subhana Wa Ta’ala) knows Best
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband