COLOMBO : A group of representatives from 27 Muslim organizations including community leaders said in a representation made to the justice minister that it does want female Quazi judges to the Muslim family courts they can be members of the jury
The final report on the Muslim Divorce Act was handed over to Justice Minister Wijedasa Rajapaksa at the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday,Aug.29
Representatives from 27 Islamic organizations including former Governor Azath Salley, women representatives, lawyers, social activists and religious scholars also attended the event.
The written representation also confirmed the three propositions of the All Sri Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama ACJU, and 18 Members of Parliament.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation , former Governor Salley told the justice minister that the entire Muslim community of the country has accepted this amendment.
A million signatures can be obtained by next Friday if necessary. And the Muslim Marriage Divorce Act is the right of the Muslim people of this country. It should be revised according to the wishes of these people. It has been edited by the ACJU in such a way that everyone likes it. So it is surprising that many non-Muslims want to revise it. Therefore, he mentioned that this proposal should be fulfilled during his tenure as the Minister of Justice.
Lawyer Nuzra Zarook said: ” The Muslim Marriage Divorce Act is the law of the Muslim community. There is only a few people who have an alternative opinion to our views on the amendment, saying that it should be handled by Muslims. Some say that there are women Quazi judges in foreign countries. We cannot take it as evidence. We should follow the Shari’ah, the Holy Quran and the Hadith to make and amend this law.”
Commenting on the appointment of female Quazi judges, Dr. Marina Thaha Reffai said:” No female judges have been appointed in Islamic history for 1400 years and it is a matter that needs to be deeply researched, and the monthly salary of Quazi judges is a stipend. Therefore, the Ministry of Justice should increase their salaries, she said.
