Supreme Court Seeks Status Report from States on Implementation of Shariat Act Declaration Rules

The Supreme Court has raised concerns about the uneven implementation of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 across different States and Union Territories.

The Court noted that several states have not framed the rules required under Section 4 of the Act, which are necessary for Muslims to formally opt to be governed by Shariat law in personal matters like marriage, inheritance, maintenance, and guardianship.

This gap means the declaration process under Section 3 cannot work in many places.

The Bench has directed all States/UTs to report their status and compile a consolidated update before the next hearing scheduled on March 18.

[Gohar Sultan v. Sheikh Anis Ahmad & Anr.]