Supreme Court's Historic Decision Empowers Muslim Women with Maintenance Rights

The Supreme Court's landmark judgment enables divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, marking a significant step forward in women's rights and protection. BJP leader Shazia Ilmi and legal experts have hailed the decision as a monumental relief for all women, irrespective of religion.

The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark judgment, allowing divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance from their husbands under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). BJP leader Shazia Ilmi described the decision as historic and a relief for all Muslim women, who can now demand a mandatory maintenance allowance following a divorce.

Ilmi also highlighted that a similar verdict was issued in 1985 but was later overturned by Rajiv Gandhi's government due to pressure from the All India Muslim Law Board. She further noted that the Supreme Court has upheld the criminalization of triple talaq, reinforcing the protective measures under the 2019 Protection of Rights on Marriage Act for divorced Muslim women.

Supreme Court Advocate Manisha Chava emphasized that personal laws cannot supersede secular laws, aligning with the court's decision that the CrPC provisions remain applicable. Meanwhile, Senior Advocate S Wasim A Qadri praised the ruling as a landmark in women's empowerment, affirming that the provision applies to all women irrespective of their religion. The bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih reiterated the need for financial support for homemakers through joint accounts and ATMs.