Dissolve AIMPLB, say Muslim women, activists

Aligarh

: The chorus of opposition against the All India Muslim

Personal

Law Board’s (AIMPLB) opposition to the Shayara Bano petition is growing louder by the day. Muslim women activists and legal scholars have questioned the authority of the Board, alleging that it “acts against values of the Constitution” and “perpetuates medieval trends”. Bharatiya

Muslim

Mahila Andolan (BMMA), an umbrella body of women activists, has called for the Board’s dissolution, saying that most Muslims cannot relate to their utterances or decisions. The Board had objected to the petition, claiming “interference” from the Centre in the matter of personal law. While the body is set to become a party to the case, some within the Muslim community have condemned the Board for its stand. “It is time that we dismantle AIMPLB. The survey conducted last year by us revealed that 95% of women did not even know about these people and their functions. Young and urban Muslims do not agree with most of what they say. Who are they representing?” said Zakia Soman, founder, BMMA, talking to TOI. She added that Islamic countries like Pakistan had banned the practice already. Eminent jurist, former chairperson of the National Minorities Commission and member

Law

Commission of India, Tahir Mahmood said, “Whatever the Board or anyone else may be saying, triple

talaq

is absolutely repugnant to the Quranic law on divorce. That should be enough for the judiciary to decide the Shayara Bano case, even without invoking equality clauses of the Constitution.” He added that Article 25 of the Constitution was clear that freedom of religion did not mean the state could not introduce “necessary social reform”. Commenting on the role of the Board, Mahmood said, “Its self-assumed role and responsibility seems to be to ensure that the community perpetually lives in the medieval age. Though sizeable sections seem to be under the sway of religious leadership, the tribe of conscientious objectors is increasing.” Shaista Amber, president, All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board said, “They (AIMPLB) are paving the way for their decline and doom. They need to reform themselves and work for equality and social justice.” AIMPLB members dismissed the criticism against their stand. “These objections hold no importance to us. We are in India and there is no use giving us the example of what is happening in Islamic countries. We have to follow the laws in accordance to the wisdom of our legendary ulema (clerics). Their teachings have to be kept in mind in personal laws. What others say is not important to us,” said Zafaryab Jilani, member, AIMPLB.
Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.