Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Centre’s Response on Muslim Polygamy Plea
The Supreme Court of India asked the government to answer a request from women’s rights activists.
They want the court to say that Muslim polygamy is against the Constitution.
The activists say that polygamy hurts women and children and is unfair because other people in India cannot marry more than one person.
They also want the law to treat all people the same, so that bigamy is a crime for everyone.
The court will decide if the law should change.
Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre on a petition challenging Muslim polygamy.
Petitioners seek declaration that polygamy violates constitutional rights and request uniform application of Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Petitioners also ask for compulsory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces, immediate right to matrimonial home for first wife, and fast‑track maintenance.
The petition argues polygamy is discriminatory, violates Articles 14, 15, 21, 25, and 44 of the Constitution.
Petitioners cite examples of Muslim‑majority countries that have abolished polygamy and call for legislative steps to abolish it in India.
- Who
- Women’s rights activists Zakia Soman, Noorjehan Safia Niaz, and others, represented by advocate Shriya Maini
- What
- Petition to declare Muslim polygamy unconstitutional and seek uniform application of bigamy laws
- When
- Supreme Court issued notice on July 31, 2026
- Where
- Supreme Court, New Delhi
- Why
- Petitioners argue polygamy violates constitutional rights and causes harm to women and children
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Petitioners
- Zakia Soman, Noorjehan Safia Niaz, and others
- Legal Issue
- Polygamy under Muslim Personal Law
- Requested Action
- Declare polygamy unconstitutional, apply Section 82 uniformly
- Date of Notice
- July 31, 2026
