The Islamic Ideological Council has proposed new guidelines enabling women to seek divorce if their husbands are missing or unable to meet marital obligations.
Under the proposed rules, a woman can approach the court to seek divorce if her husband has been absent for two years. The guidelines also allow filing for annulment if the husband has been imprisoned for three years.
The Council reviewed existing laws on marriage dissolution and agreed with recommendations from the Gender Equality Committee. The move is part of broader efforts to protect women’s rights and promote gender equality.
Women whose husbands are physically or mentally incapable of fulfilling marital responsibilities, including illnesses like cancer or severe mental disorders, may file to seek divorce after waiting one year.
Officials emphasized that the new guidelines provide legal avenues for women in situations where marriages have become untenable due to prolonged absence or incapacity of the husband. The decision reflects a balance between religious principles and women’s rights in contemporary society.
Legal experts say the proposed guidelines could reduce hardships faced by women in complicated marital situations, ensuring timely access to courts for annulment. These provisions also aim to clarify procedural matters for judges handling such cases.
The Gender Equality Committee welcomed the Council’s decision, noting that it strengthens women’s legal rights while respecting the sanctity of marriage. The committee highlighted that the guidelines may prevent prolonged suffering for women whose husbands are missing or incapacitated.
While the proposal is yet to be formally enacted, social and legal observers believe it marks a significant step toward empowering women and protecting their rights under the law.
Once implemented, women will have a clear and structured path to seek divorce, promoting fairness and providing relief in cases where traditional remedies have been insufficient.
The guidelines are expected to create awareness about legal rights and ensure that women no longer remain trapped in marriages due to unavoidable circumstances.
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