World · India Bureau
Sonia Gandhi recalls disagreement with Rajiv over Shah Bano case
In her memoir, the Congress leader describes a debate with her late husband over the controversial 1985 Supreme Court judgment and its political fallout. Sonia Gandhi says Rajiv Gandhi sought to balance women's rights with concerns over Muslim personal law.
LSN India ·
Sonia Gandhi has opened up about a significant disagreement she had with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi over the Shah Bano case, one of independent India's most contentious legal and political matters. In her recently released memoir 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', the Congress leader recounts the debate that erupted between them following the 1985 Supreme Court judgment.
The Shah Bano case, which dealt with the maintenance rights of a divorced Muslim woman, sparked intense political controversy and ultimately led to the government passing the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986. The legislation effectively overturned the Supreme Court's judgment and became a defining moment in Indian politics, particularly regarding the intersection of personal law, minority rights, and gender justice.
According to Gandhi's memoir, Rajiv Gandhi attempted to navigate a delicate balance between protecting women's rights and addressing concerns within the Muslim community regarding the perceived threat to Muslim personal law. Gandhi describes how her husband grappled with the political and constitutional complexities of the issue during his tenure as Prime Minister.
The Shah Bano case remains a flashpoint in contemporary Indian political discourse, with ongoing debates about how democratic governments should approach conflicts between fundamental rights and religious personal laws. Gandhi's memoir provides a rare insider perspective on how the issue was deliberated within the highest echelons of government during that period.