New Delhi

On 10 December, the International Human Rights Day, Malayalee couple Neeju and Ismail, got their marriage registered under the Special Marriage Act ( SMA ) at the Kodungallur Sub-Registrar Office. The couple have been married for 36 years.

The couple had tied the knot at an Islamic ceremony - nikah -under the family traditions.

As they registered their marriage under the Special Marriage Act at a registrar's office, they were accompanied by their daughters, parents, Neeju's sister, and other relatives.

The couple said their decision was a protest against gender-biased inheritance laws in Indian Sharia law, which originated during the British Raj. They argued that these laws were outdated, un-Islamic, and against human dignity.

We want to start a debate about laws that contradict the Quran and promote injustice,” said Nejo, the state convener of the Forum for Gender Equality Among Muslims ( FORGEM ).

Similarly, Ismail said that religious communities need reforms led by internal movements like his. The event was graced by several dignitaries, including  FORGEM state chairperson Khadija Mumtaz; former director, State Institute of Languages, P.K. Pokhar; actor and lawyer C. Shakoor; social activist Kusumam Joseph, and others. After registration, a seminar titled “ SMA Marriage: Resistance of the Helpless” was organized at the Healthcare Institute, Kodungallur.

Dr. PK Pokhar said that equal property rights for women are essential for true citizenship. He clarified that marriages under the Special Marriage Act ( SMA ) are not a denial of male heirs but are part of a social movement to empower women and protect their dignity.

Dr. Khadija Mumtaz urged the Islamic community to recognize women's rights and work for unity against oppression. She stressed that religious leaders should stop gender division and instead promote equality to strengthen the fight against fascism.

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C. Shakoor, who got her marriage registered under the Special Marriage Act last year, criticized the anti-women provisions of Indian Sharia law. She pointed out that the Quran supports equality in marriage, divorce, and inheritance. She also announced that FORGEM will launch a campaign to encourage SMA marriage registration in communities from March 8. The initiative is a significant step towards addressing gender inequality and ensuring justice within the Muslim community.