Majlis, sharia courts to help prevent cases of triple talaq

MUMBAI: Women advocacy group has joined hands with a group of city-based or Shariah courts to help resolve ’ matrimonial disputes and prevent triple talaq. Activists from Majlis and several qazis (judges) from Darul Qazas decided to co-ordinate and help each other to provide relief to women victims, at a brainstorming session at Islam Gymkhana on Wednesday.

“There is a wrong impression that Majlis is hostile to Muslims. We work among women victims, many of them Muslims, and want to help Darul Qazas, and get their help in reconciliation and counselling process so that women don’t have to knock at doors of courts often,” said Majlis founder head Flavia Agnes. She agreed that Darul Qazas are not parallel courts but function as counselling and reconciliation centres and help reduce the burden of courts.

All-India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Mahmood Daryabadi said only practising Muslims visit Darul Qazas and qazis cannot deviate from Quranic commandments and Sharia rules while resolving disputes. Senior advocate Yusuf Muchhala, who also heads Muslim Personal Law Board’s legal cell, suggested that Darul Qazas should not confine themselves to passing judgements but also work for social reforms within Muslim society. He agreed that the term ‘Shariah court’ gives the impression that they are parallel courts, but they are not courts as their rulings are not binding, and if a party is unhappy with its ruling, they can always approach secular courts.

Mufti Faiyaz Alam Qasmi, who heads a Darul Qaza at Nagpada, asked what Majlis would do if a man/woman does not appear for a hearing despite intimation. “If it is a case of domestic violence, the best thing is to ask the party to go to a court which will provide relief under Domestic Violence (DV) Act,” said Majlis programme director Audrey D’Mello.

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