Background:
- The petitioner, V. Revathi, had married a Muslim man under Islamic law. Subsequently, her husband pronounced talaq (divorce) thrice, and the marriage was dissolved.
- Revathi, being a destitute woman, sought maintenance under Section 125 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which provides for maintenance of wives, children, and parents who are unable to maintain themselves.
Key Issues:
- Constitutional Validity: The main issue in this case was the constitutional validity of Section 125 of the CrPC and whether it discriminated against Muslim women.
- Applicability of Personal Laws: The case raised questions about the applicability of personal laws (in this case, Islamic law) in matters of maintenance.
Supreme Court’s Decision:
- In its judgment in 1988, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Section 125 of the CrPC and rejected the argument that it discriminated against Muslim women.
- The court emphasized the secular nature of the provision, stating that it applied uniformly to all deserving persons, regardless of their religion.
- The judgment highlighted the fundamental right of maintenance as a social justice measure and held that the personal laws of any religion could not override the statutory provisions aimed at ensuring a dignified life for individuals.
Significance:
- The V. Revathi case is significant as it affirmed the right of women, irrespective of their religious identity, to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC.
- The judgment reinforced the principle that personal laws are subject to constitutional scrutiny, and statutory provisions for maintenance and support can be applied uniformly to all citizens.
This case played a role in clarifying the legal position regarding maintenance for women, and it contributed to the jurisprudence on gender justice and equality under the Indian legal system.