Muslim women deprived of rights enshrined in Islam: Kerala HC judge

Kozhikode: Justice B Kemal Pasha of the Kerala High Court sparked a controversy last week when he said Muslim women were being deprived of the rights enshrined in Islam.

Inaugurating a seminar in Kozhikode on the Muslim Personal Law, the judge said that many provisions of the Muslim Personal Law were against women.

"Though the Holy Quran says that only the bridegroom should provide 'Mahr' to marry a girl, it does not happen in our country as womanhood was weak," the judge said at "Protecting Women from Domestic Violence" seminar.

If a man can have four wives, why can't a woman have four husbands, Kerala High Court Justice B Kemal Pasha asked.

Talking about the social evil, dowry, he noted that it could be eradicated only by creating awareness among the public.

"Our mindset should change. Women should come forward to boycott the demand for dowry in marriage," he said.

Justice Pasha also asked religious heads to go for self-introspection before making judgements on sensitive issues.

"Religious heads should go for a self-introspection on whether they are eligible to pronounce a verdict or not," he said.

On giving divorce by pronouncing triple "Talaq", Justice Pasha said, "Both the husband and wife are human beings. There should be enough time for them to come to a conclusion."

"All laws insist on dignified life and our constitution also gives protection to all through Articles 14 and 21."

"Protection of women from domestic violence will be meaningful only if several points, including the rights of a woman on her husband's property are properly defined," he said.

"If she is married to a person, it is an implied contract to provide her safety and security," he added.

(With PTI inputs)