Why can't a woman have four husbands: Justice Kemal Pasha

Kozhikode: Justice B Kemal Pasha of the Kerala High Court Sunday exhorted women to come forward and fight for their rights in society.

Inaugurating a seminar on "Protecting Women from Domestic Violence" he said, "Though the Holy Quran says that only the bridegroom should provide 'Mahr' to marry a girl, it does not happen in our country as womanhood was weak."

Talking about the social evil, dowry, he noted that it could be eradicated only by creating awareness among the public.

"Our mindset should change. Women should come forward to boycott the demand for dowry in marriage," he said.

Justice Pasha also asked religious heads to go for self-introspection before making judgements on sensitive issues.

"Religious heads should go for a self-introspection on whether they are eligible to pronounce a verdict or not," he said.

On giving divorce by pronouncing triple "Talaq", Justice Pasha said, "Both the husband and wife are human beings. There should be enough time for them to come to a conclusion."

"All laws insist on dignified life and our constitution also gives protection to all through Articles 14 and 21."

"Protection of women from domestic violence will be meaningful only if several points, including the rights of a woman on her husband's property are properly defined," he said.

"If she is married to a person, it is an implied contract to provide her safety and security," he added.