India: Codify Muslim Personal Law

(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - On Saturday, issues like age of marriage for girls, divorce laws, property laws were deliberated by representatives from 15 states across the country at a national level discussion.Speaking about the Muslim law, Noorjehan Safia Niaz, founder member, BMMA, said, “There is an urgent need to codify the personal laws for Muslim keeping in mind that Muslim women are largely affected due to the absence of a suitable law. In India, other communities have Personal Laws about the age of marriage, rights of a woman, property rights and other issues, whereas Muslim women are in the lurch and left at the behest of religious leaders for decisions.”After several meetings across the country, a draft for the codification of Muslim law has been prepared and eventually it will be placed in the Parliament for implementation, she said.“There have been instances where religious leaders have opposed the discussions on marriage and divorce. But the BMMA demands the implementation of marriage and divorce rules based on the Quran and not on the implications of religious leaders,” Noorjehan stated.In March, discussion on the draft for Muslim law was held in Koppal and Gulbarga, she said.‘Congress sees Muslims as vote bank’Speaking about the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme, Zakia Soman, another founder member of the Andolan, said, “The Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme is an eyewash. Though the programme offers opportunities in the field of employment and education, it has not reached the grassroot level. Muslim community is viewed as a mere vote bank by the UPA and the Congress”.She pointed out, “According to the programme, 90 districts have been identified as the minority concentrated districts. But the officers at the district headquarters are not aware of the programme. This has been a tremendous let down for the muslims by the UPA. The government has not done much to implement the recommendations of the Sachar Committee Report so far,” she observed./129