CITY ALREADY HAS SHARIAT COURTS

While the AIMPLB plans to open Darul Qaza popularly known as Shariat courts in the districts of the country, the city has several such courts functioning for last several years.

The decision of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) to set up Darul Qaza courts in all districts to resolve issues pertaining to the community, particularly instant triple talaq, has drawn mixed response from the community in the city.

“If the AIMPLB names it as a shariat court we condemn it and demand they rename it. Darul Qaza translates into counseling centres. There is a need for such centres across the country to help Muslims resolve civil issues and bring in more awareness about Islamic principles and laws,” he said

Para legal volunteer and social activist Qutbuddin Masood said the term ‘Darul Qaza’ was mistranslated into shariat courts. “Actually, it is a counseling centre and the ministry of law and higher courts has emphasised the need to have counselling or arbitration centres to resolve small disputes. Following the observations and orders, several government agencies have themselves set up Lok Adalats and counselling centre’s to reduce the burden on the courts.”

Majlis Bachao Tehreek leader Amjedullah Khan said that the AIMPLB was making such statements at a time when there were disturbances over various issues. “Every issue is being communalised by some or the other group. In such scenario, the AIMPLB is revealing its plan even before finalising it. The AIMPLB has failed to address issues of the community and is more into the hands of political parties,” he said.

A section of the community felt that the AIMPLB decision came at an appropriate time in the backdrop of lack of guidance and awareness while others questioned the timing of such a decision. The proposal will come up for discussion at a meeting of the AIMPLB in New Delhi on July 15.