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Protect fatwa-separated couple: court

J. Venkatesan

THE SUPREME Court has directed the Orissa Government to provide police protection to a Muslim couple, forced to live separately following a fatwa issued by the community at Bhadrak.

Local clerics said their divorce became effective after the husband, though drunk, pronounced the triple talaq. The couple could no longer live together though he realised his mistake and decided to live with his wife, Nazma Biwi, and their three children.

On a petition from Nazma Biwi challenging the fatwa, the court in January issued notice to the parties concerned. When the matter came up for further hearing on Friday, a Bench made up of Justices Ruma Pal, C.K. Thakker and Markandey Katju told counsel: "No one can force them to live separately. This is a secular country. All communities, Hindus, Muslims or [of] any other religion, should behave in a civilised manner."

Counsel said the couple continued to be ostracised by the community and sought police protection for them. Counsel for Orissa sought two weeks to file a reply to the petition and the Bench adjourned the hearing till then.

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