In a significant ruling, the Indian Supreme Court affirmed that Muslim divorced women have full rights under the country’s maintenance laws, regardless of their religion. This decision came in response to a plea by Mohammad Abdul Sameed, who challenged a lower court’s directive in Telangana to pay monthly maintenance to his divorced wife.
Justices Augustine George Masih and B.V. Nagarathna heard the case in the Supreme Court. The apex court dismissed Sameed’s plea, upholding the lower court’s ruling.
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The judges clarified that maintenance laws apply to all married women, irrespective of their religion. Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized that husbands must understand that wives, who emotionally and financially rely on them, are the architects of the household. She highlighted the need for Indian men to recognize the sacrifices made by women in building homes.
