IRAC Analysis Of Regina Begum V. State Of Assam And Ors. – A Constitutional Perspective Of Polygamy And Freedom Of Religion In India
Sheersh Dhodi, Symbiosis Law School, Pune
BEFORE THE HON’BLE HIGH COURT OF GAUHATI
(Before Michael Zothankuma, J.)
Petitioner:
Rejina Begum
V.
Respondents:
State of Assam and Ors.
Decided on July 26, 2017
CASE FACTS
The facts of the case are such that the petitioner, Rejina Begum is the first wife of Bulmajan Ali, a tractor driver in the Irrigation Department under the government of Assam, who died on duty in 2010. The petitioner filed for family pension, but the state (one of the respondents) refused to provide pension to the petitioner in view of the fact that respondent no. 6 (the second wife of Bulmajan Ali) has also filed for family pension, owing to the petitioner filing a petition to be awarded family pension. Rejina Begum has one child with her late husband, while respondent no. 6 has none. It was made clear in the judgement of the Court of the Munsif, Rangia that both the wives are legal wives of Bulmajan Ali.
