A Journey From Shah Bano To Shayara Bano: A Status Of Muslim Women In India

Ananya Kashyap, B.B.A. LL. B (H.), Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

Dr. Bhawna Arora, Associate Professor, Law College Dehradun, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand

ABSTRACT

The present study focuses on the historic evolution of Muslim women’s rights in India against the backdrop of two landmark legal judgments which demarcate significant legal and social milestones pertaining to the rights of the Muslim women. The study integrates Muslim and broader demands of a Uniform Civil Code in India. The research study addresses the critical points of controversies generated around the rulings, followed by legislative and social reactions; and the ensuing reactionary debates to achieve unanimity in the framework of Muslim Personal Law . The present dissertation elaborates on the progress made by the state machinery in favor of Muslim women’s rights despite a continuous backlash and obstruction from various sections of Indian society. Drawing upon the insights and principles of various interdisciplinary bodies of knowledge, the research study should be useful for the students and practitioners of law, gender studies, religious and social studies to analyses the future trajectory of sustenance of gender justice and equality within the diverse socio-legal structure of India.

Keywords: Muslim Women's Rights, Shah Bano, Shayara Bano, Personal Law, Gender Justice