SC informed that Nazma Biwi, husband not given security

New Delhi, May 15 (UNI) The Supreme Court was today informed that a Muslim couple from Orissa, against whom a fatwa was issued by clerics after they decided to stay together despite a triple talaq pronounced by the husband in an inebriated state, has not been provided security despite the court's order.

The counsel for Nazma Biwi said her husband and she have not been given protection by the police as per the court's April 21 order.

However, the counsel for the state of Orissa told the court that the couple has been provided security.

The bench, comprising Mr Justice B P Singh and Mr Justice R V Raveendran, however, said there was no urgency in the matter and no need to hear the case during the vacation period.

The court also told the counsel for the petitioner to file a contempt of court petition if the couple had not been provided security.

Several Muslim leaders have said Nazma Biwi could not be allowed to continue staying in the marriage without following the prescribed Islamic procedure including marriage to another man followed by divorce.

However, the couple does not want to go through the entire process and have decided to go on living as husband and wife.

The apex court bench had earlier directed that the state should provide security to the couple if there was any threat to them from the religious leaders who had had issued a fatwa against the couple.

UNI AKS-SC RR GC1938