Law panel member clarifies on Muslim law on bigamy

Law Commission member Tahir Mahmood has clarified that the Muslim law on bigamy, or the state of bigamy among Indian Muslims was "not at all" mentioned in the commission's latest report submitted to the government.

Law Commission member Tahir Mahmood has clarified that the Muslim law on bigamy, or the state of bigamy among Indian Muslims was "not at all" mentioned in the commission's latest report submitted to the government.

HT Image

Reacting to reports appeared in a section of media, Mahmood said, "the Mulsim law on bigamy, or the state of bigamy among the Indian Muslims, was not at all the issue before the commission."

He recalled that 14 years ago in the Sarla Mudgal's case, the apex court had ruled that a married Hindu man could not re-marry by converting to Islam without getting the first marriage dissolved.

"Some recent cases highlighted in media brought to limelight that the law so settled by the court was being grossly violated. Taking cognizance of it the commission simply recommended that the apex court ruling be incorporated in the Hindu Marriage Act 1955," he said in a statement.

"The true nature of Muslim law on bigamy, which insists on equal treatment of co-wives and does not at all allow forsaking the first wife without divorce in search of a new one was explained only in this context," Mahmood said.

Hence, the apprehension being expressed in this matter by Muslim religious men and in Urdu media are misplaced and absolutely uncalled for, he added.