As the Supreme Court (SC) commenced hearing of petition pleas challenging the practice of triple talaq on Thursday Muslim women in the Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal pinned hope that the apex court verdict would be within the frame of constitution and that efforts to interfere in Shariah laws would not be made.
Dr Sufiya Fatima Hussaini a practising doctor of the city and member of All India Muslim Personal law Board (AIMPlB) while talking to The Pioneer over the issue said we are confident that the verdict would be given keeping in mind the provisions of the Indian Constitution, “We are confident that the verdict will be as per the Constitution. The Muslim Personal law already addresses the issue of triple talaq being misused and those doing so are punished,” she added.
Shabistan Zaki a practising lawyer in the Bhopal district court and Corporator from ward number 22 said Muslim Personal law was a way of life, and those misusing its teachings should be punished.
“Women should have the freedom to live without the fear of talaq. The Islamic law is given to us by Allah and we do not want to change it. Women these days are well-versed with the Shariyat law and are not looking to modify, but ensure better protection against triple talaq,” she added.
Another Corporator Shabana Shahid Ali said the Muslim women would continue to abide by the Shariyat law, adding that the apex court would surely take religious sentiments and teachings of the Quran into account before pronouncing the verdict.
“Our apex court considers religious beliefs. We are sure the decision will be taken in line with our Muslim personal law and the constitution. Just like how the Hindu Marriage Act exists, there should be a Muslim Marriage law as well,” added Shabana.
A homemaker Aisha Khan said that Shariah takes complete care of the women and that there is no need for any amendment in it, moreover the constitution of India provides us the right to practice our personal law like it does to other communities to practice their personal laws.
Notably, the Supreme Court commenced its marathon hearing on petition pleas filed by Muslim women challenging the practice of triple talaq.
The hearings have been designated to a five-judge Constitution bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Jagdish Singh Khehar and four other judges, namely Justices Kurian Joseph, Rohinton Fali Nariman, Uday Umesh lalit and S Abdul Nazeer.