Supreme Court to decide the legality of Shariat courts

New Delhi: The Supreme Court is scheduled to deliver verdict on the legality of the Shariat courts and the fatwas issued by them on Monday.

The highest court of the land was moved by a petition filed by a Delhi-based advocate challenging Shariat courts as parallel organisations delivering judgements.

The petitioner argued that Shariat courts are illegal and operate as parallel courts in the country deciding on the religious and social freedoms of Muslim citizens, and that fundamental rights of Muslims cannot be controlled and curtailed by fatwas issued by qazis and muftis appointed by Muslim organisations.

The Muslim Personal Law Board has also acceded that if fatwas affect an individual's fundamental rights, then one can approach the court.

The previous UPA government had refused to interfere with the Muslim personal law unless it violated the fundamental rights of individuals.