Kerala - Kozhikode

Nisa to organise discussion on Muslim marriage laws

KOZHIKODE: Nisa Progressive Muslim Women’s Forum has criticised moves by certain sections to subvert attempts being initiated by the Kerala Law Commission to bring about changes in the marriage laws of Muslims.

V.P. Suhara and Amina Abdulla of Nisa opined that the highest courts in the country had suggested changes in the personal laws of Muslims since it was found that women were subjected to undue difficulties under the cover of these laws.

Nisa will hold a discussion on the issue at the Nalanda auditorium here on November 15.

The present generation would not allow the clerics and the establishment to deny the legitimate rights of Muslim women and the gender-biased interpretations being circulated to prevail.

Nisa was of the view that though marriage-divorce laws were partly codified no changes had been incorporated with regard to payment of maintenance to women and children who were victims of divorce.

Though the personnel law of Muslims attracted national level discussion following the Shah Bano case in 1995, no concerted change was incorporated to ameliorate the plight of the hapless muslim women involved in divorce cases.

On the reverse changes in the law had proved to be negative for women.

The sum of Rs.500 to be paid as maintenance as per the amendment of Section 125 Cr.P.C in 2001, had failed to provide the expected relief to women, Nisa alleged.

The Koran directs that divorced woman must be provided a decent sum as maintenance.

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