Our stand vindicated, says Muslim law board

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

New Delhi/Lucknow, August 22

hailing the SCjudgment on instant ‘triple talaq’ as a “huge victory”, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) declared that the decision had vindicated their stand that personal laws could not be tested by courts on the grounds of violation of fundamental rights.

A statement issued by the AIMPLB central office highlights that the majority comprising Chief Justice JS Kehar and Justice Abdul Nazeer along with Justice Kurian Joseph have accorded personal laws the status of a fundamental right being protected under the right to practice religion contained in Article 25.

Terming the view of Justice Kehar and Justice Nazeer to refer the matter of talaq-e-bidat (triple talaq in single sitting) to Parliament as a minority view and hence inconsequential, the AIMPLB pointed out that the majority comprising Justice Nariman, Justice Lalit and Justice Kurain have held the practice to be illegal and have struck it down. “The Supreme Court verdict therefore cannot be misused by the government to try to interfere with personal laws through legislation,” it states.

“Ultimately, the judgment has upheld the essence of fundamental rights ensured to the citizens of this country”. Reacting to the practice of talaq-e-bidat being suspended, the AIMPLB said it has been their stand that it was not the best way of pronouncing talaq, adding that various surveys have however, suggested that it is seldom resorted to.

All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board chief Shaista Ambar called it a historic judgment upholding the Islamic and human rights of Muslim women. All India Shia Personal Law Board’s Maulana Yasoob Abbas said women had been left with no option but to approach court.