No one can interfere with personal law, says Congress' Alvi

Congress leader Raashid Alvi opposed Allahabad High Court's Thursday observation of the Triple Talaq being "cruelty against Muslim women", saying no one can interfere with personal laws.

Alvi claimed the observation was in contradiction of the fundamental right of freedom of religion.

"I have respect for all court verdicts, but I don't agree with the high court's views. The verdict is in contravention of the fundamental right of region guaranteed by the constitution," he said.

Calling for an appeal against the judgment, Alvi said that most judges "do not understand" the significance of personal laws board.

"I am sorry to say this but most of judges do not understand what a personal law board. How it came into existence and what is its significance. Following and propagating one own religion is a fundamental right which cannot be taken away.

"No one has right to intervene in personal laws of any community," said Alvi.

The Congress leader, however, clarified that the views were personal and not of the party.

Hearing twin petitions on the matter, Justice Suneet Kumar held Triple Talaq as "cruelty against Muslim women" and said no "Personal Law Board" was above the Constitution.

In sharp contrast, Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury hailed the decision and said it was long overdue.

"I am very sad that the court had to say it, because it is something any evolved society which believes in the Constitution and enjoys freedoms and privileges would have accepted long ago.

"I am happy that Muslim sisters now have a little more security and dignity to their lives," she said.

Hailing the decision, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister and senior BJP leader M. Venkaiah Naidu said: "Religion is faith but law is made under Constitution and should be followed by all."

"I am happy at the high court's decision I believe justice is for all and there should not be any discrimination in that the verdict ensures that," he said.

Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Brinda Karat asserted her party's support for the call against Triple Talaq.

"We have supported the demand by Muslim women for an end to the instant and arbitrary Triple Talaq, which is not practiced anywhere in the world.

"This has nothing to do with religious practice and the Muslim Personal Law Board is quite wrong.. And large sections of the Muslim community also feel the same way," said Karat.

--IANS

and/vd