MUSLIM WOMEN'S ALIMONY RIGHT MEETS THE MOMENT

IN a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court has said that a Muslim woman has the right to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code like any other woman.

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It asserted that any discrimination against Muslim women in matters of alimony under the secular laws of the country would be regressive and against gender justice. The SC bench rejected the argument that the provisions of Section 125 do not apply in view of there being a personal law on the issue covered by the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. The top court ruled that it cannot be a basis for discriminating against a divorced Muslim woman.