The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Thursday slammed a petition in the Supreme Court that said it invalidated Islamic Inheritance law. The body even described it as “mischievous” and a violation of the constitutional principles of religious freedom.
While in the statement issued to the media, board spokesperson S.Q.R Ilyad said that a Naya Nari Foundation plea in the court reportedly argued that Islamic inheritance rules discriminate against Muslim women. The board aruged that it was baseless and that it was contrary to Article 25 of the Constitution, which grants and guarantees freedom of religion.
SQR Ilyas said that the Bombay High Court had clarified in the Narasu Appa Mali case that the personal laws cannot be challenged in court for violation of constitutional scrutiny.
He also disagreed with the claim that Islamic inheritance law is not an essential religious practice. He said that Islamic family laws come from the Quran and the Sunnah, the teachings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad, and Muslims are required to follow them.
He also addressed allegations of discrimination, saying that Islam gives equal dignity to men and women but assigns them different rights and responsibilities. He said men are responsible for providing financial support and household expenses, while women are not required to bear these costs and are free to use their own income as they wish.
He further highlighted the remarks which were attributed to the Chief Justice of India which suggest that the issue could be addressed through a Uniform Civil Code. He stated that Article 44 of the Directive Principles in the guideline principle and that cannot be imposed on muslims without their consent.
He appealed to the Supreme Court, the Board said that the court rejected the petition seeking changes to Islamic inheritance law.
