What happened: Supreme Court examination of polygamy under Muslim Personal Law
The Supreme Court of India is examining a constitutional challenge to polygamy under Muslim Personal Law. The petition asks the Court to require the Union government to consider legislative steps that could abolish polygamy for all citizens regardless of religion. The case matters for UPSC because it tests how personal law rules interact with constitutional equality and gender justice.
The Supreme Court has sought the Union government’s response. The Court has also asked the Union government to consider legislative measures that would remove legal permissions for polygamy.
The petitioners in the case are five activists. The petition seeks changes to criminal law, marriage registration, and the legal framework governing Muslim Personal Law.
What the petition seeks
The petition proposes legal and administrative measures aimed at preventing a second marriage while an earlier marriage remains legally valid.