Supreme Court's Landmark Ruling: Equal Maintenance Rights for Muslim Women

The Supreme Court ruled that divorced Muslim women are entitled to maintenance, aligning personal laws with gender justice. NCW Chairperson Rekha Sharma lauds the decision, urging equal rights for women across all religions. Efforts continue to address derogatory social media comments and honor fallen hero, Captain Anshuman Singh.

The Supreme Court's decision on June 10, affirming that a Muslim woman can claim maintenance post-divorce, was warmly welcomed by National Commission for Women's (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma. She highlighted the need for universal women's rights, cutting across religious lines. "All personal laws related to women should be equal across religions," Sharma stated, emphasizing equality under the Hindu Marriage Act's alimony provisions.

This landmark ruling under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) establishes that divorced Muslim women have the right to seek maintenance from their husbands. The court referred to any discrimination in alimony under India's secular laws as outdated and contrary to gender justice and equality. NCW Chairperson Sharma praised the decision as a significant step toward ensuring equal rights and protections for all women.

Sharma stressed that the decision is a reinforcement of the principle that no woman should be left without support under the law. She reaffirmed the NCW's commitment to advocating for women's rights and ensuring justice for every woman in India.

In another matter, Rekha Sharma condemned a derogatory social media comment regarding a photo of the widow of Kirti Chakra awardee Captain Anshuman Singh. The NCW took swift action, leading to an FIR filed by the police. Sharma cited numerous similar comments and stated the commission's ongoing efforts to address offensive remarks seriously.

Delhi Police received a complaint from the NCW about a lewd comment made on a photo of Captain Singh's widow. An FIR under relevant sections of the IT Act has been registered, and an investigation is underway.

Captain Anshuman Singh received the Kirti Chakra posthumously after he bravely attempted to rescue trapped soldiers during a fire at an Army ammunition dump. His wife and mother accepted the award from President Droupadi Murmu.

(With inputs from agencies.)