New Delhi: After the Supreme Court's ruling on June 10 that a Muslim woman can claim maintenance post-divorce, Rekha Sharma, Chairperson of the National Commission for Women (NCW), expressed her approval, advocating for uniform personal laws for women across all religions.
In a statement to ANI, Sharma emphasized, "Women's rights should be universal and not dictated by religion. Personal laws concerning women should be standardized across all faiths. Hindu women receive alimony under the Hindu Marriage Act, so Muslim women should also be entitled to it. I welcome the Supreme Court's decision."
On June 10, the Supreme Court affirmed that a divorced Muslim woman can seek maintenance from her ex-husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). The Court emphasized that denying alimony to Muslim women under the country's secular laws would be regressive and contrary to gender justice and equality.
Sharma lauded the ruling as a significant stride toward gender equality and justice for women of all religions. She reiterated that the decision underscores the principle that no woman should be left without legal support and protection.
The NCW remains dedicated to advocating for women's rights and ensuring justice for all women in India, Sharma added.
Sharma also addressed a recent incident involving a "lewd" comment on a photo of the widow of Kirti Chakra recipient Captain Anshuman Singh.
"It was a very derogatory comment on social media, and we took immediate action by filing a suo motu case. The police have lodged an FIR against the individual, who is likely from Pakistan," Sharma said.
She noted that many similar comments are being taken seriously, with the NCW urging the police to file FIRs in those cases as well.
Delhi Police acknowledged the NCW's letter to the Commissioner, demanding the man's arrest and a detailed report within three days.
The police received a complaint from the NCW about a social media user making an extremely lewd comment on a photo of a soldier's widow. Following a preliminary examination, an FIR under Sections 79, BNS-2023, and Section 67 of the IT Act 2000 was registered, and an investigation is ongoing.
Captain Anshuman Singh, a doctor with the 26 Punjab in the Siachen Glacier, died in a fire incident on July 19, 2023, while rescuing trapped individuals and retrieving medical supplies. He was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra. His wife, Smriti, and his mother received the award from President Droupadi Murmu.
