No ban on women entering mosques, Muslim Personal Law Board tells Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board informed the Supreme Court of India that there is no ban on women entering mosques. The matter was heard by a nine-judge Constitution Bench, which is considering petitions related to the Sabarimala Temple women’s entry issue. The bench is also examining cases challenging the practice of female genital mutilation in the Dawoodi Bohra community and restrictions on women entering mosques.

Appearing for the board, advocate M.R. Shamshad stated that women should not be prevented from visiting mosques, as the Prophet had clearly instructed that they must not be stopped. He added that while women are not required to attend congregational prayers and may offer prayers at home, they are free to pray in mosques if they choose to do so.

He further explained that mosques do not have a concept similar to a sanctum (sreekovil), although such a concept exists in dargahs.

During the hearing, Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah asked whether the idea that women can pray at home is based on practical concerns, such as who would take care of children if everyone went to the mosque. The hearing will continue on April 28.

Shashi Tharoor's remarks can only be treated as personal opinion: Chief Justice

• Meanwhile, Chief Justice Surya Kant said that remarks made by Shashi Tharoor about courts not interfering in matters of faith can only be treated as a personal opinion.
• Justice B. V. Nagarathna also remarked that information from “WhatsApp University” cannot be relied upon. She made the comment after lawyers argued that the source of information should not matter as long as the content is relevant.

Advocate Neeraj Kishan Kaul responded that there is no issue in accepting knowledge coming from universities, to which Justice Nagarathna replied that information from “WhatsApp University” would not be accepted. She is the only woman judge on the nine-member bench.