The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Union Government on a petition filed by women’s rights activist Zakia Soman seeking a declaration that the practice of polygamy among Muslims is unconstitutional. The matter was heard by the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

The petition contends that the practice violates the fundamental rights of Muslim women and highlights the hardships and discrimination faced by women whose husbands contract multiple marriages.

Apart from seeking a ban on polygamy, the plea has sought directions to the Centre to provide financial assistance to women affected by polygamous marriages until the practice is abolished. It has also sought mandatory registration of all Muslim marriages to ensure legal protection for women and children and to prevent abuse of personal law.

The petition argues that permitting polygamy is inconsistent with the constitutional guarantees of equality, dignity and non-discrimination and urges the Court to examine whether the practice can continue to enjoy legal protection under Muslim personal law.