Supreme Court Verdict Empowers Muslim Women's Maintenance Rights

Union Minister Giriraj Singh hails Supreme Court's decision allowing Muslim women to claim maintenance, emphasizing social harmony. BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi calls it a historic relief. However, Maulana Mohammed Shafique Qasmi criticizes the ruling as against Islamic Shariat law. The court asserts Section 125 CrPC applies to all married women.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh on Wednesday praised the Supreme Court's landmark judgment enabling Muslim women to claim maintenance from their husbands. Singh highlighted that this decision brings social harmony and ensures equality across all religions. He urged strict rules for non-compliance, suggesting the end of voting rights and legal actions against violators.

BJP spokesperson Shazia Ilmi also lauded the decision, describing it as a historic relief for Muslim women. Under this ruling, any divorced Muslim woman can demand maintenance allowance under Section 125 of the CrPC. The Supreme Court clarified that this is not a donation, but a right, allowing divorced women to approach the court for maintenance.

Contrarily, Maulana Mohammed Shafique Qasmi, Imam of Nakhoda Masjid, expressed disapproval, stating the decision contradicts Islamic Shariat law. According to Shariat, divorced women receive 'mahr' and a 3-month Iddat expense from their husbands. Qasmi argued that enforcing maintenance goes against Islamic principles but acknowledged the necessity to respect the Supreme Court's order.

On the judicial front, the Supreme Court asserted that Section 125 of the CrPC applies to all married women, including Muslims, ensuring their rights to claim maintenance from their husbands. The bench also emphasized the significance of recognizing homemakers' contributions, urging financial support through joint accounts and ATMs.

The bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih, ruled that Section 125 CrPC's provisions are applicable to all women, including divorced Muslim women. This judgment seeks to uphold the financial rights of women post-divorce, reinforcing the legal framework for maintenance claims.