New Delhi, May 27: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a detailed recommendation report to the central government regarding the rights of Muslim women. This report, titled “Rights of Muslim Women in India,” has been sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Prior to the report’s preparation, a national-level roundtable discussion was held on August 1, 2025, in New Delhi. This meeting included the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, senior government officials, legal experts, academicians, representatives from women’s rights organizations, religious scholars, social activists, and members of civil society from across the country.
During the meeting, existing laws related to Muslim women were reviewed, shortcomings in their implementation were discussed, and suggestions for reforms were made. The commission noted that the Constitution and recent legal reforms have played a significant role in strengthening women’s rights. However, there remains a need to raise awareness, ensure easier access to justice, and clarify and systematize personal laws.
Particular focus was given to issues such as marriage, divorce, alimony, child custody, and property rights. Various technical sessions addressed topics including Waqf reforms, women’s rights to maintenance, property and inheritance issues, as well as challenges related to marriage and divorce.
The commission studied key laws related to the rights of Muslim women, including the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937, the Dissolution of Muslim Marriage Act of 1939, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act of 1986, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act of 2019, along with several judicial decisions.
In its report, the NCW made several important recommendations. These include the formulation of comprehensive laws regarding Muslim personal law, mandatory registration of marriages, a ban on child marriage, and making the divorce process more equitable. The commission also recommended ensuring women’s economic security, strengthening rights over Mehr and marital property, and determining child custody based on the “best interests of the child.”
Additionally, the commission highlighted the need for a sensitive dispute resolution mechanism with adequate female participation, improved legal assistance, helplines, and awareness campaigns. The report called for immediate action against exploitative practices like the “Parda system,” as well as rehabilitation, identification, and employment support for victimized women.
The Women’s Commission has urged the relevant ministries and all stakeholders to implement these recommendations.
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