On The Deoband Fatwa

Date: 
Thursday, August 18, 2005

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

                                           On The Fatwa of Darool Uloom of Deoband

The objectionable fatwa of the Darool Uloom of Deoband placing restrictions and conditions on the participation of Muslim women in elections and in decision making has led to strong protests from all sections including from within the Muslim community. The edict undermines the work being done by thousands of Muslim women elected to various panchayats and local bodies.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly favours larger participation of women in politics and public life. It hence unequivocally supports reservation for women in parliament and state assemblies.