Update on the SC ruling against Sharia courts: The apex court ruling was given on the basis of a petition challenging the legality of the Shariat Courts. The petition had been filed by a Delhi based lawyer Vishwa Lochan Madan in 2005.

In his petition, he stated that institutions like Darul Qaza and Darul-iftaa are operating like parallel courts which take decisions on the fundamental rights of the Muslim citizens.

He also said that religious clerics, qazis and muftis appointed by them cannot take a call on the liberty of the Muslims by issuing fatwas and curtail their fundamental rights.

The petitioner further argued that the Darul Qaza and Darul-iftaa operate in Muslim dominated districts where people cannot oppose the rulings.