Shah Bano case

The Shah Bano case of 1985 involved a Muslim woman, Shah Bano, who was granted alimony by a court after her divorce, despite traditional Muslim laws allowing limited maintenance. The case sparked national debate on whether Muslim personal law should be governed by religious laws or influenced by broader secular principles. The government initially supported her rights, but faced pressure from conservative groups, leading to the controversial passing of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act in 1986. This law limited maintenance payments, balancing religious customs with gender justice, and highlighted tensions between personal law and gender equality in India.