The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937

The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 was enacted to ensure that Indian Muslims could have their personal and family matters governed according to Islamic law. This Act applies to all Indian Muslims and covers areas such as marriage, divorce, maintenance, and inheritance. The Act allows Muslims to follow their personal law in matters of inheritance and succession, and courts must apply the relevant Muslim law when deciding such disputes. However, the Act does not apply to matters of criminal law, which are governed by the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, the Act has been subject to various controversies and debates, with some arguing that it discriminates against Muslim women and goes against the principles of gender equality.