NCW Proposes Reform of Muslim Personal Laws in India

The National Commission for Women recommends reforming Muslim personal laws in India to bolster Muslim women's rights, including marriage registration and stronger inheritance safeguards, following extensive consultations.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) has put forward recommendations to reform Muslim personal laws in India, advocating for mandatory marriage registration and enhanced inheritance rights for women. These suggestions are part of a broader initiative to improve legal, social, and constitutional safety nets for Muslim women across the country.

After conducting a national-level consultation, the NCW submitted its report, 'Rights of Muslim Women in India,' to several ministries. The report emphasizes the need for progressive codification of personal laws and calls for improved legal literacy and institutional mechanisms to align personal laws with constitutional values of equality and justice.

Key proposals include the mandatory registration of marriages, a prohibition on child marriage, and the standardization of divorce processes to guarantee fairness. Strengthening maintenance provisions and simplifying property rights enforcement are also highlighted. The commission urges relevant ministries to act on these recommendations to facilitate the socio-economic empowerment of Muslim women.

Additional measures include expanding legal aid access and addressing harmful practices such as the 'Paaro' system. The commission seeks to enhance legal literacy and foster socio-economic improvements through these significant reforms.