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Greetings!
It's an auspicious day for all our viewers.
We're going to finally interact with Shazia Bano.
Lately, we see you wearing black outfits. What's the reason behind it?
People are used to throwing all kinds of trash and ink at me
which you can't see on black.
Ms. Bano, you've waged a war
against triple talaq, women's rights,
against Abbas Khan and men like him.
What message would you like to share with all the women here?
Talk softly.
Think wisely.
Be very precise.
And if possible, just don't talk at all.
But you still stood up for yourself?
And it's been ten long years...
that you've been fighting for your justice.
I didn't wish to fight,
but I had no choice.
You may not like my response, but...
I was deeply in love with Abbas.
And that's exactly why this fight started.
What started as a marital conflict ten years ago,
escalated as a societal issue and then a spectacle for the community.
All I wanted was justice and the nation was...
divided once again in two parts.
I still don't know where I went wrong.
I am Shazia Bano.
And my fight is for...
my rights.
Before we got married, Abbas and I used to interact through letters.
We met only once, and that too secretly.
I've fallen for this beautiful city of Sankhani.
It is not right for the priest's daughter to meet other men.
Have some respect for our traditions.
I'm getting married tomorrow.
So hurry up and say what you have to.
I have to get home.
Go tell your family...
You're mine, and I am yours.
I'm graced with a Koh-I-Noor From the heavens
Koh-I-Noor
We are now together
Forever and ever till eternity
I am yours
Look, my love
Your name is etched on my hands
All that is mine
I now surrender to you
My heart knows no limits
Every step leads to you
I'm mesmerized by your beauty
In your love's embrace, I lose myself
Your marriage to Abbas Khan, son of Late Junaid Khan,
has been finalized for a dower of 2000 rupees.
Do you consent to this marriage?
I do.
Do you accept?
I do.
Do you accept?
- I do. - I do.
All your conditions are accepted
I accept whatever you say
I accept every day and night
That comes with you
Look, my love
Your name is etched on my hands
All that is mine
I now surrender to you
What are we making?
Tomato halwa.
- It is sir's favorite dish. - Yes.
Why do we have three cookers?
One cooker's whistle is faulty, and the other's gasket is scorched.
And the third cooker's lid is blocked.
Why didn't we get it repaired then?
Well, sir has no patience for that.
He'd rather buy a new one.
Now that you're here, it's all yours to handle.
Well, it's my duty to pamper my new bride.
So today after work, I'll buy you a new cooker.
Then we'll have dinner.
And then, watch a movie.
- What do you think? - Sounds great.
But what about all this food here?
My heart knows no limits
Every step leads to you
I'm mesmerized by your beauty
In your love's embrace, I lose myself
I accept this bond
With all its trials and sorrows it has
I'm mesmerized by your beauty
In your love's embrace, I lose myself
Let there be any condition...
All your conditions are accepted
I accept whatever you say
I accept every day and night
That comes with you
I'm going to have a rose garden here.
I've ordered blue roses to plant here.
And here, I'll hang creepers. They'll look lovely.
That would make this wall stand out beautifully.
That's a fine idea, but we have a challenge with this shed here.
Because of this, the rose shrubs won't get sufficient light.
Right.
I didn't think that through.
Your neighbor Liyaqat has constructed this illegally.
So that the rainwater doesn't fall in his house.
Can't we demolish it?
Hey!
With whose permission are you doing this?!
Hey, get down!
- Get out of here! - Greetings!
I spoke to your wife, Saleema Bi.
Your shed is encroaching our space.
Who is she to make any decision regarding this?
And you, get out of here!
No. Brother, you stay there.
Liyaqat sir...
please understand that your shed is encroaching on our property.
I want to plant roses here.
I don't care what you want to plant there!
Get down now, or I'll call the police.
- Get down! - Can you at least talk politely?
Saleema Bi, please tell him. How can he speak to us like this?
I'm talking to you calmly,
- and you've been yelling at us. - Hey, get down,
- or I'm calling the police now. - Get own!
- We will call the police! - Hey, just shut up all of you!
Is this your property that you will call the police?
It's not even been a year,
and you're already creating rifts over property.
I'm tolerating you out of respect for Abbas.
It's better you get inside now.
All your conditions are accepted
Did she really said that?
Yes, and she threatened to call the police.
Did she?
Yes! Is this some kind of a joke?
Oh God! I will speak to her.
Greetings!
- Greetings, Mr. Abbas! - Greetings!
How can Bano threaten police action over land she doesn’t own?
Mr. Abbas, such mistakes happen. Let it go.
How can I let it go?
Just so we don't repeat this mistake,
I've transferred that land in my wife's name.
My love, from now on, if he even dares to raise his voice,
just call the police.
My married life was pretty ordinary. But to me,
it was no less than a dream.
After a year and a half of marriage, we welcomed our first child.
Qamran, our baby boy.
Our conversations
now revolved around poems, baby formula, and porridge.
Then we had our second child. Kaneez, our baby girl.
Amidst all the responsibilities of our daily life,
we didn't realize how quickly our children grew up.
Son, this is the holy place where our loved ones and elders are buried.
Let us offer a prayer for the peace of their souls.
Bring your palms together like this.
Very good.
The responsibilities of a growing family were weighing down on us.
So was Abbas's work that kept him away from us.
Not just at home, we spoke less even on the phone.
Those who once claimed
that Abbas's wife had cast a spell on him
began to notice the charm between us fading.
Sir, I need to go home next week.
My elder brother is getting married.
You have another brother?
No. It's my elder brother's second marriage.
Isn't he like 50?
Here's a small token from me and Bano.
Thank you.
Sir, there have been a few calls from your home.
Okay.
Please bring me the Shroff & Shroff file.
Okay.
Kaneez, are you scared?
You spoiled brats!
Is this what your mother is teaching you?
To play with a filthy dog?!
Dogs are considered taboo in Islam!
What kind of Muslims are being raised in this house?!
What nonsense is this!
Excuse me.
- Hello. - Hello, Abbas.
This Liyaqat is yelling again!
The kids are terrified!
Please handle them.
What do you mean by "handle them"?
I mean, handle them.
Stop calling me every two minutes.
You are aware of his behavior.
I can tolerate it,
- but if someone scolds our kids-- - I'm busy.
Stop calling me over and over.
And if you call me again, I'll have the home phone disconnected.
I'm upset.
Fine, I'm not.
Why did you say you'd have the home phone disconnected?
Shouldn't I call you if there is a problem?
I need to rush to Murree tomorrow morning.
Pakistan?
Because we fought?
Are you crazy?
You think I will go to Pakistan just because we fought?
There's a complication regarding an old property.
We may have to sell it off.
Listen...
please pack my clothes.
How long will it take?
No idea. Maybe three weeks.
My dear, my beloved
I forget myself when I'm with you
I belong to you
If you confide your sorrows in me I'll receive them with gratitude
- Uzma! - Yes, ma'am?
Check if the phone line is okay.
It's working, ma'am.
Strange. It's been five days since we last spoke.
- Hello? - Sir, I haven't been able to contact him.
Ma'am, you call at least ten times every day.
If he answers the call, you'll be able to speak with him.
Please be patient.
Patient?
It's so hard to get in touch with you.
How are you? Have you reached?
Yes.
And what about the property matter? Has that been sorted?
We're figuring it out.
We'll see what can be done.
Mom is here too.
Is it very chilly there?
You tend to catch a cold quite easily.
Don't worry about me.
Unnecessary stress isn't good for you.
We're going to have a baby.
I'll be back soon.
Take care of yourself.
- Goodbye. - Some herbal tea...
will be good for you.
My smile is because you
My serenity is because you
I'm incomplete without you
My life belongs to you
My existence is meaningless without you...
Bano, always remember one thing.
God's grace is upon you.
He's here!
He's here.
Qamran! Kaneez!
I hope you haven't soiled your clothes. Your father has arrived.
Uzma?
No, no. Not the luggage.
Lower the flame first, the curry is still simmering.
He must be starving. Go on!
Your offenses, even your lies Are all accepted
What evil to speak of?
What consultation to have?
Finally!
You said three weeks, and it's been three months now.
How are you?
So much luggage?
Have you bought all of Murree?
This is not even our luggage.
Bano, I need to talk to you.
You got married again?
Saira.
I owed Saira's mother a debt.
Abbas has done a good deed by marrying her.
Bano...
treat her like your younger sister.
Her husband was extremely abusive.
She has been through a lot of hardships at such a young age.
And Abbas was not even ready to marry her.
I told him, "She's your aunt's daughter.
How can you leave her desolate?"
Did you really marry once again?
You are not the first woman on earth to share her husband.
Your own uncle has two wives.
They have all lived together like a happy family
for 40 years.
Poor Saira! She got widowed at such a young age.
It's our duty,
and a part of our customs to share our fortune and goodwill.
It's not some delicacy that sharing it will earn us goodwill!
Abbas is my husband!
I made him swear on my life.
When did you decide all this?
When?
Bano, let's take Saira inside the house first.
She's been sitting in the car for so long now. Everyone's watching.
Okay, enough of this nonsense!
Saira has been sitting in the car for over an hour.
Abbas, go bring her inside.
We can't change what's happened.
But what happens here on is in your control, Bano.
Think of the consequences and act wisely.
You are the first wife, who's usually the emotional, stereotypical one.
It will estrange your husband even further.
Don't be the first wife. Don't be a burden.
You know whenever a pressure cooker stopped working,
Abbas would immediately replace it.
I...
I built this...
home with so much love.
I gave the kids my all.
I did everything I could.
I don't understand what created this distance between Abbas and me.
I don't know how.
I swallowed the bitter pill
because the pain wasn't going to lessen even a bit.
Abbas...
Brother, you are extremely fortunate
to get such a beautiful bride.
Saira Bi, here's a little gift for you.
Give it to her.
Greetings.
Thank you.
You've been blessed with commendable courage by the Almighty.
The way you upheld my respect out there...
Nobody else could have done that.
You know, I never loved anyone else apart from you.
You're my queen.
In whatever circumstances I married Saira...
Well, she's here now.
She'll be around to help you with your pregnancy.
You've been handling things all by yourself.
Hence, I've decided that she'll stay in the outhouse.
In your outhouse by the garden.
She'll stay away from you.
Just like a tenant does.
This is your house
and it'll always be yours.
You will always be my number one priority in life.
Always.
Number one.
Go, talk to her.
Get the lunch ready by 1:00 p.m.
Sure.
Sister...
may I help you with something?
Peel these.
Okay.
Serve this to mom.
Saira, have a seat.
Okay.
Bano, you sit here.
Saira, help yourself.
Sure.
Enough.
Sister.
I...
I needed some drapes.
And...
a bedsheet and some pillow covers.
Alright, I'll take you to the market.
Go get ready.
You will take her?
Did you forgive sir already?
You do have a generous heart.
She got married at a young age, and her husband was abusive.
She has also suffered a lot.
Abbas didn't have much of a choice.
He said she'd be useful in taking care of the kids during my pregnancy.
He cares a lot about me.
Here.
- Is this okay? - Do you have...
- satin bedsheets? - Yes.
No, not satin.
- Something in floral cotton. That one. - Sure.
Here you go.
Alright.
- Do you have a sandalwood perfume? - Here, this one.
- This? - Yes.
- How much for this? - Eight rupees.
- This one, please. - Show me this one.
Sure.
This one's better.
- Give me this one. - Okay.
It's expensive...
Show me the one in pink.
No, not this. Show us that.
- Yes. - Sister, I want this one.
No, this one's expensive. This one's better. Please pack it
Saira!
What are you doing?
I can see through your tactics.
All the things you're buying for me,
Abbas really doesn't like them.
He prefers satin bedsheets.
And that sandalwood perfume that you were buying
makes one smell like an old hag.
And a cotton bra?
Don't you know how much Abbas hates them?
Do you think of me as some charity case?
Or a subject of your pity?
Someone who can be your personal help,
to look after you during your pregnancy?
Did Abbas say that?
Abbas married me because he was in love with me.
Otherwise, I had many options. I could have chosen anybody.
Let me tell you another secret.
Before he met you,
he had feelings for me.
But my marriage was arranged with someone else.
Then he met you.
No doubt you're his first wife,
but I'm his first love.
The moment he heard about my husband's death,
he immediately rushed to Murree.
As a dower, I could have asked him to divorce you,
and he would have done that as well, but I didn't do that.
I didn't break your family.
You should be grateful to me.
The truth is, you're the charity case here.
Did you know her from before?
What does it matter now?
You both were together in Murree?
Are you interrogating me?
She knows everything about you.
The bedsheet you like, the scent you prefer,
- even the undergarments-- - Bano!
Well, at least someone cares about my likes.
I'm your beloved wife!
This is the first time since our marriage that you've called me by my name.
Why?
"Why? Where? How?"
What's wrong with you?!
Go to bed!
Oh Lord!
My heart's broken
I feel scared When you're not around
Your thought dithers me
I feel scared When you're not around
Your thought dithers me
Since you broke my heart
Oh, dear
Oh Lord, you broke my heart
Oh, you deserted me
Infecting me with your love
And then you betrayed me
Oh Lord, you broke my heart
Oh, you deserted me
Infecting me with your love
And then you betrayed me
Through all the humiliation and suffering,
I held on to one thought.
Abbas was my husband, and I was his wife.
His first wife.
And the Almighty has destined this relationship for me.
Sister.
Happy anniversary!
Thank you.
Are you going to meet Abbas?
We have a doctor's appointment in the evening.
Could you please remind him?
Please don't forget.
Mr. Mushtaq, greetings! How are you?
- I'm good. How are you? - Fine.
It's our wedding anniversary today.
I made a sweet dish. Distribute it to everyone. It's hot.
- Sure, ma'am. Happy anniversary. - Thank you.
We believe that the case won't stand a chance in court.
We are figuring it out.
- There will be a settlement. - Okay.
- So, you don't need to worry. - Right, sir.
You?
- Greetings. - Greetings.
I'm busy today.
Can we make this quick?
No problem at all. You finish your work. I'll wait.
Take your time.
Can you please wait outside for a few minutes?
Maqbool?
It's so humid today.
Come, let's go.
My favorite actor's film is playing in the theaters!
Can you please watch it with Eram today?
It's our wedding anniversary. Why would I go with Eram?
You at least owe me this.
Why do you always keep nagging me?
It's our anniversary today.
A time to rejoice.
I hardly get a chance to talk to you.
It's because, you don't miss a single chance to taunt me.
Abbas, at least let me feel that you're mine too.
You don't even talk to our kids.
Your life only revolves around Saira.
Please, stop trying to compete with Saira all the time.
Behave your age.
Show some maturity.
If it's about maturity, you're older than me.
I can't deal with your drama right now.
When will you have time for us? Tomorrow, day after, next week?
Check your calendar and tell me. I'll be waiting.
- Why are you walking away? - Sir, our client is getting late.
Mr. Maqbool, please give us five minutes. This is important.
Please have the dessert I made for our anniversary
before it's all gone.
Please eat.
Are you out of your mind?
I'm only asking for an evening out.
How much more do I suffer?
No matter what I do, I'm always wrong.
- You're suffering? - Yes, I am!
I look after the family and fulfill everyone's expectations.
Have I deprived you of anything?
Tell me.
All I want is to spend some time with you.
You turned me down so harshly,
- and then you say-- - Enough now.
Enough.
You go home.
We'll talk over there. Please come.
I'm very sorry.
Go.
Greetings.
Happy anniversary.
Come in.
What were the prayers?
What kind of Godliness?
Why was I destined with severance?
As I'm being evacuated
From your heart
It seems like
The world has become strange
You didn't fulfill the terms of love You treated me like a stranger
You gave me sorrows You didn't feel my pain
At least once you should have Thought of me
Oh Lord, you broke my heart
Oh, you deserted me
Infecting me with your love
And then you betrayed me
Bano!
Where's Bano?
She's left for her paternal home with the kids.
Didn't she inform you?
How can I express the pain That flows from my eyes?
How can I express what remains Silent in my words and is lost?
How can I express How was I betrayed in love?
How can I express the pain That flows from my eyes?
What sort of life is this?
When you're not here
You pushed me to such solitude
Abbas had called.
He'll be sending 400 rupees as maintenance for the children.
Did he ask about me?
Oh Lord, you broke my heart
Oh, you deserted me
Infecting me with your love
And then you betrayed me
Oh Lord, you broke my heart
Oh, you deserted me
Infecting me with your love
And then you betrayed me
Oh Lord
You deserted me
Oh, you deserted me
Bano, why are you blowing this so out of proportion?
Mother, do you think the way Abbas treated me was right?
He mistreated me.
Was that appropriate?
Men tend to do such things owing of their hot temperament.
And they do regret about it later.
If Abbas is regretful, why didn't he apologize?
Apologize? Why would he apologize?
Bano, you chose to leave this house
because of your stubbornness.
Now you decide what you want to do.
Is he coming to take you back?
Say something. Did he at least talk to you properly?
Let her breathe.
Should I talk to him?
My mom strongly felt my stubbornness broke our family.
But the truth is,
had Abbas even once told me, "Let's go home,"
I would have gone back.
But he neither apologized nor came to take me back.
And one day,
he even stopped sending money for the kids.
Inform me when you get there.
This is for Abbas. He loves this sweet dish.
Convey my love to him.
Let's go. Oh Lord!
Listen.
Be sure to help them reach a compromise.
I'll bring the luggage on the next ride.
Alright.
See you soon.
Greetings.
Thank you.
This is really pretty.
Bano made it.
Beautiful!
- Greetings. - Greetings.
Hey, look who's here!
Come here.
Come here, baby.
Greetings!
Come here.
How are you?
- Did you miss Dad? - Yes.
Look at her. Do you know who she is?
Seher.
Abbas?
Can we talk in private?
Our daughter, Seher.
You didn't even know her name, did you?
How are you?
You tell me.
What brings you here?
Won't you check on how our kids are doing?
You haven't sent the maintenance money for a while now.
You've come here to talk about money?
They are your kids too, Abbas.
They're not solely my responsibility.
Did you ask me before taking the kids away?
You know exactly why I left the house.
No. I don't know.
Please help me understand.
Just because I didn't take you out for a movie on our anniversary,
you packed your bags and left the house with the kids?
Why?
Thought you could blackmail me?
Please lower your voice.
Is it because I married again without consulting you?
You did wrong.
I've done a pious deed.
If it was about a pious deed, you could have recited our prayers.
Or considered charity, or gone for Haj.
But you married another woman under the pretense of a pious deed!
You don't have a problem with my second marriage...
but with Saira.
It's nothing but female jealousy.
You envy her.
Okay, I envy her.
She's educated. She's prettier than me.
I...
accept my truth.
But today, you too will speak the truth.
You took this decision with full consciousness.
When you found out that Saira was widowed,
you deliberately distanced yourself from your wife and kids.
So you could fulfill your desires.
I didn't do anything wrong.
You're trying to hide your second marriage behind the pretense of a good deed.
Your conscience knows it too, Abbas, what you did was wrong
In the eyes of faith as well as the Almighty.
Had you been a true and righteous Muslim,
a loyal and dutiful wife, you wouldn't dare to say such things.
You consume alcohol.
You accrue interest on money.
Forget praying five times a day,
I had to remind you even about Friday prayers.
So you should be the last person lecturing me about religion.
There is a huge difference in reading, learning,
and truly understanding the Quran.
The woman who treats the sacred bond of marriage
like child's play and abandons her family...
what more can be said about her?
Nothing.
You think I treat marriage as child's play?
If you truly understood the sanctity of marriage,
you wouldn't treat me with such disrespect.
Why did you come here then?
I'm a mother.
I'm here for my kids.
You promised you'd keep sending 400 rupees.
I've come just for that.
You are aware of the matter.
Until the issue between them is resolved,
please tell Abbas to...
continue sending the money.
Please talk to him.
You should make that girl understand that she needs to return
- to that house. - Bano!
My daughter's name is Bano.
It's a reputed family.
Does it look appropriate to create such a scene?
Why do you want to stir up this matter?
Mr. Qazi, looks like Abbas has influenced you.
He's the one who married again.
First, he said that he was helping a widow.
And now we learn that--
What's the point of digging up the past?
There's no other way around.
Why do you want to drag this matter?
God's the savior.
Greetings.
What happened to me wasn't anything new.
But my father was a scholar.
He believed in justice and integrity.
He chose to stand by me rather than ask me to compromise.
The road ahead is very challenging.
There's no turning back now.
But always remember one thing.
I'll always be by your side, no matter what happens.
I want to file a complaint
against my husband.
Okay. Tell me your name and your husband's name.
My father has written everything on this paper.
Abbas Khan?
He's your husband?
Isn't he a lawyer himself?
I'm aware of my husband's profession.
You're filing a case against him?
Abbas Khan, who is my husband and a lawyer by profession,
had promised to send maintenance money for the well-being of our children.
He's suddenly not keeping his promise.
So, I've come to court to seek justice.
Is there a problem?
No, but...
shouldn't you be consulting a scholar from your community for this matter?
- Thank you for your time. Let's go, Dad. - Wait. Listen.
Give me that, I'll do it.
Please don't tell me later that I didn’t warn you.
Sure.
Sir, your wife is filing a case against you.
Why is he standing away from the queue?
Stand in the queue. Where's the constable?
Go back. Bring the argument draft again.
Case number 13051.
Madam Shazia Bano vs. Mr. Abbas Khan.
- That's me. Here. - Come closer to the bench, please.
One minute. Please go back.
- Who's with you? - Sir, it's me.
He's my father, sir.
- Where's your lawyer? - I don't have a lawyer.
I've written all my complaints on this paper.
Is this a school headmaster's office, that you've brought a written complaint?
This is a courtroom.
What's your name?
Shazia Bano.
My husband went ahead and married again.
I have three little kids.
He agreed to send monthly maintenance but has now gone back on his promise.
- Please go to your community scholar. - I did go to him.
But my problem can only be resolved in the court of law.
You cannot simply come here just because you disagreed with the Qazi's decision.
This is a courtroom.
My husband married for the second time.
I have three little kids.
You've already said that.
Your case falls under the jurisdiction of the Muslim Law Board.
Next!
- Come on. - No! One minute!
- Please wait. - Madam, please give me a second.
Sir, if I end up committing murder, would you still ask me
to seek help from my community?
Do you expect me to sit here and teach you law?
If I commit murder and say my community will decide the outcome,
would you still let that happen?
Just making talk won't help.
There's a procedure to follow in court.
- Next! - One minute!
Sir, please look at these pictures.
- One minute. - I have such small kids, sir.
The court will hear your plea, but you need to get a lawyer first.
Where do I get a lawyer?
Section 125 CrPC, Your Honor.
One second, move aside.
Her case can be filed under Section 125 CrPC.
Bano Begum, your husband cannot leave you destitute.
You deserve the money that you are demanding.
Your Honor, we will be representing Shazia Bano.
You need to confirm to the judge that I'm your lawyer. Say it aloud.
Go ahead.
She is my lawyer.
What's the name of your lawyer?
Bela Jain.
- Bela Jain. - And him as well.
Faraaz Ansari.
- You too? - Yes.
Faraaz Ansari.
Goodbye.
At least you could have discussed the case with me once.
You have never said that before.
You know what I'm talking about.
When my grandfather was writing the first copy of the constitution,
do you think he ever imagined a day
where justice would be decided based on religion?
Why drag that poor woman into this just to serve your ambitions?
Tea?
It's a CrPC complaint.
A smart move that we did not anticipate.
What do you mean?
It means this is a criminal case.
Police action can be enforced.
So if he doesn't pay up, the police might show up here?
Abbas, please listen to me.
It's just a matter of 400 rupees.
Let's just give it and end this.
Abbas, do it for my sake.
- Abbas. - Uzma!
Qamran, come here.
Give this to Aneesa.
And Needa Bi didn't give you the cloth for the blouse?
No, Mom. She asked me to come next month.
Next month?
Okay. Go and give this.
Abbas called.
He's called to meet.
He's taking a step forward.
Let's end the fight here.
Sister!
Let it be.
I'll ask Uzma to clean it.
I got a gift for baby Seher, but forgot to give it last time.
See if you like it.
Bano!
- How are you? - I'm fine.
You know, Mom reprimanded Abbas.
But, Bano, you also went to court.
Enough is enough now.
- Just end this matter-- - I never wanted to do this.
Even so,
what you did was not right.
I reasoned with Abbas.
Let's sit and settle this for good.
Come.
How are the kids?
Qamran is nearly as tall as me now.
Kaneez wishes to grow her hair
all the way down to the knees.
And Bilaal keeps bolting away.
So, I've left him at home today.
It should not have come to this, Bano.
Yes.
Why did you go to court?
You thought I would get scared?
It was about keeping your word.
No. Last time, you said it was about your dignity.
I thought a lot about this.
And you were right.
I didn't marry Saira just to perform a pious deed.
I've always been in love with Saira.
I should have waited for her.
I married you in haste.
I'm going to rectify that mistake.
Talaq.
It's Bilal's birthday today.
- Isn't that why you called me here? - Abbas, what are you doing? Stop it!
- Abbas! - Talaq.
Mom, please stop him!
- Brother! - Talaq.
This is the full payment of the dower.
From now on, we are no longer husband and wife.
What did you just do, Abbas?
You should have at least consulted with me once.
What would people say?
"Abbas Khan's wife is mocking him in his own court,
and he couldn’t stop her."
Brother, she was only asking for 400 rupees.
You think divorce was cheaper than that?
Section 125 is applicable only to the wife.
Now that Bano is no longer my wife,
this case doesn't hold in a court of law.
She could have placed Bilal in Abbas's lap,
and stubbornly sat at the doorstep.
He's a husband as well as a father. Eventually his heart would melt.
He's not her husband anymore.
Didn't you say it's not the right way to pronounce talaq?
So, isn't he still her husband?
- Greetings. - I'll talk to you later.
Abbas has sent all your belongings.
It takes people even longer to get rid of scrap from their homes...
But sir...
- Greetings. - I'm Bela Jain. This is Faraaz Ansari.
- Greetings. - Is Bano here?
Yes. Please come in.
Who would have thought Abbas would take such a step...
- Talaq... - It's called Talaq-e-Biddat.
It's a human-made rule.
Not in line with the Quran.
Not in line with the Quran?
So, what does that mean?
Does this mean, according to Sharia, this talaq is invalid?
Do you realize what you're saying, Bano?
That is what the Quran says.
In that case...
- Section 125 is still applicable. - Section 125...
Because Bano Begum
is still Abbas Khan's wife.
You're right, Bano!
You're right.
Your daughter is right.
Your mother is right!
Bano, you're right!
Don't let this faith waver, Bano.
We must win.
We're going to court, Bano Begum!
Case number 76895.
Shazia Bano vs. Abbas Khan.
Ms. Bela, proceed.
Your Honor!
Abbas Khan has abandoned his wife with no support.
All my client asked for,
to sustain herself and her children,
was a mere 400 rupees per month.
Your Honor, it's just a nuisance case
to defame me.
Shazia Bano and I have been divorced for three months now.
She's no longer my wife.
Your Honor, Shazia Bano is still Abbas Khan's wife.
So, as per Section 125 CrPC,
the demand for maintenance is still valid.
The manner in which the divorce was carried out
is not valid, Your Honor.
Are you saying that a talaq, as per Sharia, isn't valid?
Your Honor.
Abbas divorced Shazia Bano by giving triple talaq.
It is referred to as Talaq-e-Biddat.
Talaq-e-Biddat is against Islamic traditions.
Many Islamic scholars like Maulana Maududi have confirmed
that Talaq-e-Biddat is not a part of Islam.
Objection, Your Honor!
Earlier I thought it is a nuisance case.
But I change my opinion now.
This is dangerous and malicious!
Will matters of Sharia now be debated in this courtroom?
This goes against the fundamental rights of our community.
Objection sustained!
It's a sensitive matter, Ms. Bela.
It's a matter of Muslim Personal Law.
We cannot decide whether or not the method of talaq was appropriate.
Your Honor.
My client is confident that Talaq-e-Biddat is against their faith.
- And that's why-- - Objection, Your Honor!
Is your client an expert?
Or a female Islamic scholar?
This needs to stop now.
Objection sustained!
If you mention Talaq-e-Biddat again,
I will hold you in contempt of court.
How is it even valid to say triple talaq in one breath, sir?
Please sit.
Of course, it's appropriate.
And it's actually considered appropriate in many interpretations.
But this is not the place to discuss that, Bano.
- The ways of Sharia-- - He has never read Quran!
- Sir, he has never read the Quran... - Are you the lawyer?
and he's constantly referring to Sharia!
I have a very important point to make.
After that, you are free to decide.
He pronounced "talaq" three times to divorce me.
But to legitimize it, the one who gives it should be prepared
to be whipped.
Mr. Abbas, are you going to object?
Objection, Your Honor!
You wish for me to be whipped?
I'm not saying this. It's what the Quran says.
Then why did you bring it up in the courtroom?
- Don't address the client, Mr. Abbas. - Are you really saying in this courtroom
- that I should be whipped? - Where the verses permit its usage.
- Bano Begum, please sit! - One must bear the consequences.
- Please sit. - Sit down, sit down.
Talaq-e-Biddat will not be discussed in this court. Is it clear?
Or else, you'll be put behind bars.
Please explain this to your client, Mrs. Jain.
You are pitting Muslim Personal Law against Secular Law.
And I agree with Mr. Abbas Khan
that it's quite dangerous.
If you wanted to discuss these things,
I advised you from the start
to seek help from your community.
But you insisted on coming here!
Please take your case to the Muslim Law Board.
Maulvi sahab, this is a matter of our religion.
We should have sorted this among ourselves.
You're a Maulana yourself.
You should have known
that taking matters of talaq to court is shameful for us.
Matters like Talaq-e-Biddat are defaming our community.
We did come to seek your help
over a year ago.
You are a respected protector of the Quran, Maulvi sahab.
Have you not taught any manners to your daughter?
I have filed the case, so you should talk to me.
And please ask Qazi sahab whether my father spoke to him or not.
Since you were not satisfied with Qazi sahab's decision,
you decided to go to court.
You wish to fight the Almighty's orders in a courtroom?
Taking the legal route meant disregarding the Sharia.
Which also means supporting the demon.
I understand the order of the Almighty.
You are neglecting His orders!
You're trying to teach the Almighty's orders to a Qazi now?
When a Qazi misuses his power,
then we have no other choice.
Maulvi sahab!
Please silence this woman.
My daughter's name is Bano, Qazi sahab.
We are the messengers of Almighty.
She's an infidel.
You are the messengers of the Almighty, not the Almighty Himself.
You claim to be the absolute authority, and that's infidelity.
Bano!
I'm sorry I raised my voice.
But when no one listens to you, it hurts.
The terms and conditions of talaq are clearly written in the Quran.
Talaq has to be spread across a period of three months
so that there's room for compromise.
It's written in Surah Al-Baqarah
that a husband should take his time to calm down,
and try to compromise so that there is no need to end the marriage.
It's been clearly mentioned in Surah An-Nisa that
if there is any misunderstanding between a husband and wife,
families from both sides should unite to sort it out.
Abbas didn't even think once before ending the relationship.
He gave me talaq in a single breath.
This method is not mentioned anywhere in the Quran.
It may not be mentioned in the Quran, but it is part of Sharia.
Khalifa Umar considered Talaq-e-Biddat to be appropriate.
You want to question his authority?
Khalifa Umar also stated that...
Talaq-e-Biddat would be appropriate,
provided the person pronouncing it is publicly whipped.
Before getting married for the second time,
a man must seek permission from his first wife.
It's mentioned in Surah An-Nisa that
if you feel you cannot do justice to both, then you should have only one wife.
Before we got married,
he was in a relationship with Saira. Is that not adultery?
Why are all punishments and laws applied only to women,
while men are spared?
All the religious laws are lopsided against women,
but in complete support of men.
It's not right to be prideful by merely reading a few verses of Qalam-e-Pak.
It's absolutely wrong!
You should be ashamed of yourself.
Not only have you betrayed the community...
but you have also sided with the infidels.
I've the read the Quran.
I've been reading it since childhood.
You may question my intelligence on other topics...
but you cannot question the relationship
I share with my Almighty.
I am neither a traitor to our community,
nor am I ashamed of what I did.
I am right.
It's the finest form of upbringing
in which a child turns wise, charming, and self-sufficient.
My daughter has all these qualities.
Goodbye.
Bano.
People from my community were quick to label me a traitor.
And the court where my case was to be heard would have taken years to conclude.
But my father was by my side.
Hot tea, hot tea, hot tea!
Hot tea!
The kids were growing up, and our situation was becoming increasingly dire.
As the kids grew, so did our hardships.
Starting tomorrow, we'll only take half a liter of milk.
Qamran! Kaneez!
Have milk.
I did my best to keep it from affecting my children.
There were times I succeeded, and times I didn't.
I became so used to seeing Abbas in his courtroom uniform
that I was starting to forget him as my husband.
It had been four years, all for the sake of a mere 400-rupee struggle.
After our talaq, I even paid Bano Begum 2,000 rupees as her dower, Your Honor.
This case has no meaning.
It's just a waste of court's precious time.
Your Honor, again I request you to please dismiss this case.
Your Honor, my client has three children.
Mr. Khan earns seventy thousand rupees a year.
My client requested just 400 rupees a month.
These children are his as well.
It was his choice to marry for the second time.
He divorced his wife in an unconstitutional manner.
Shazia Bano is his wife even today.
Objection, Your Honor!
As per Islamic traditions, marriage is a legal affair.
A contract between two people.
It's not a bond of seven lifetimes as enforced by Hindu laws.
The contract terms are prepared beforehand,
and both the parties agree to those terms.
That's why the Qazi asks the couple three times to confirm
whether they agree to the union.
And if a contract is agreed upon, it can be dissolved as well.
And when a contract is to be dissolved,
the terms of the same are also mentioned.
I have already paid Bano Begum 2,000 rupees as dower.
By demanding extra money from me,
she's going against the agreed terms.
Your Honor!
The Honorable Supreme Court,
in the case of Bai Tahira vs. Ali Hussain Fissalli & Another,
ruled that under Section 125 of the CrPC,
a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to maintenance,
regardless of the dower amount or whether any other terms were fulfilled.
So, Mr. Khan's claim that he divorced Bano Begum after fulfilling all terms
does not excuse him
from what is rightfully my client's constitutional right.
Under Section 125 CrPC,
and considering the special circumstances of this case,
this court orders Abbas Khan
to pay monthly maintenance to Bano Begum.
Considering the amounts already paid in the past,
it is decided that the payable maintenance
will be 22 rupees a month.
Twenty-two rupees?
It's a moral victory, Bano.
Victory is ours.
Twenty-two rupees?
Maulvi sahab.
I will not be attending your classes any more.
No problem, my child.
SHARIK RAHIM
This is all happening because of me.
Not at all, my child.
It's easy to back off due to fear,
but it takes immense courage
to stand strong for our own rights.
This isn't because of you.
It's because of their fear.
The truth is unfolding because of you.
When a small fight is about to turn into a war,
its ripples echo in our surroundings.
But I'm my father's daughter.
And I did not given up.
Our society, neighbors, everyone cut ties with us.
There was doubt and anger in everyone's eyes
as if I was a criminal.
BANO IS JUST AN EXCUSE THE HOSTILITY TOWARD US IS NOTHING NEW
The issue between Hindus and Muslims had started to simmer.
People stood divided.
And no one was a bigger traitor than Maulvi's daughter, Bano.
Go from the back side!
Before my parents suffered any loss I couldn't bear,
I had to take a difficult decision for their safety and that of my children.
Let's go, kids.
Where will you go?
What are you doing here?
It's not safe in my hometown.
And what makes you think you can stay in my house?
You transferred this property in the name of Bano Begum.
If you have a problem with her staying here,
we can fight another legal case.
Your mom created this garden.
Isn't it beautiful?
From today onward, this is our new home.
Okay?
Twenty-two rupees. You consider this as victory?
Being a lawyer yourself, don't you understand the importance of optics?
It's no longer just about providing for your wife and kids.
A matter that should have been settled privately will now be discussed
by the whole nation.
This time, it's about Talaq-e-Biddat.
Ahead, there will be something else!
By the way, Bai Tahira won her maintenance case in the Supreme Court.
Another Muslim woman, Fuzlunbi, also has a case pending in court.
Marriage laws, adoption, inheritance, personal laws.
This is no longer your domestic issue.
The whole nation is going to get involved in this.
Everyone's going to give their opinion.
If the whole nation is going to get involved in this,
so be it.
I'm ready for what's going to come.
We have been practicing law for four generations.
We've written the constitution of this country.
You're talking about optics, Mr. Qureshi.
We'll give this nation a spectacle.
Your Honor, in the case of Tahira Bi,
the Supreme Court has ruled that if an ex-wife
is unable to support herself financially,
or until she remarries,
her husband is responsible for her maintenance.
Irrespective of her religion.
Your Honor, the term "ex-wife" belongs to Secular Law.
It's not recognized in Sharia.
Your Honor, we should not be debating
Sharia versus Secular Law in this court.
Ms. Bela, talaq is a termination of a legal contract.
Once it is terminated, all associated conditions are also nullified.
I understand the contract, Mr. Khan,
but how does a relationship cease to exist?
First, second, new, old, divorcee, ex.
You may prefix anything to the word "wife,"
but the word "wife" remains part of her identity, right?
From the day the talaq takes effect,
husband and wife become strangers to one another.
Can you tell me
who this person with you and your children in the pictures is?
What would you call her? Who is she?
A stranger?
I'll be calling her the mother of my children. That's it.
Other than that, we have no relation.
When she became the mother of your children,
was she your wife or not?
Objection, Your Honor!
- As per Sharia-- - Objection, My Lord!
This is a secular courtroom.
And Sharia cannot be discussed here.
This is something that Mr. Khan expressed in the Sessions Court.
If he brings up the word Sharia again,
all his arguments are to be struck out, Your Honor.
Objection sustained.
Ms. Bela, please go ahead.
Questions that were once raised within the walls of the house
were now echoing in the courtroom.
"Is she your wife or not?"
"What is a wife's identity?"
"What shapes her existence?"
"What is the true meaning of a wife?"
The arguments would go on for hours.
But this time, Abbas was silent.
Am I late?
The lives of other mothers centered on their kids' birthdays, festivals,
and key academic milestones.
Qamran.
My children's milestones were measured by High Court dates.
And this one is for you.
Study well.
Night would fall,
but our fight had no truce with peaceful sleep.
Abbas...
she understands the Quran and Sharia better than you do.
Didn't you say...
it was just a matter of one hearing?
Done with one hearing?
A client like that...
Mr. Abbas wants to speak to you.
I'm coming.
- Mr. Faraaz. - Mr. Abbas.
- How are you? - Good.
You know, our fathers knew each other.
We should be working together.
Three hundred rupees a month.
Maqbool will explain the other formalities to you.
You may start on Monday.
Are you trying to buy my worth?
Mr. Faraaz, I'm trying to save you from committing a big mistake.
This urge you have to fan the flames
will end up burning our own people.
And Bela Jain will benefit from this.
Bela Jain is using you.
Try to understand.
Do think about my offer.
Goodbye.
Your client doesn't want to go to the Muslim Board.
The amount of dower isn't sufficient for her.
the dower cannot be compared to alimony, My Lord.
The dower amount is determined at the time of marriage,
and should be given to the wife at that moment.
The fact that wives don't ask for it is a separate issue.
It is comparable to the concept of stridhan in Hinduism.
Stridhan?
You mean dowry?
Are you trying to make a statement or ask the court a question?
- Brother... - It's a statement, not a question.
Ask for adjournment.
Dowry is demanded under the guise of stridhan.
That's an evil practice.
- Brother... - Excuse me.
Listen to me. Ask for adjournment.
Excuse me.
It has spoiled the lives of so many women!
Whereas, the amount of dower empowers women.
Objection, Your Honor!
My learned counsel is trying to mislead the court.
He is fully aware that stridhan and dowry are not comparable.
Until a case reaches the court,
every dowry is disguised as stridhan.
Mr. Khan.
Please stick to the issue at hand.
Continue.
Your Honor, we request for an adjournment.
- Please be seated. I will-- - Please try to understand.
Sit. I'll handle it.
- What are you doing? - Your Honor, I'm sorry.
I would request for a continuance, please.
What's wrong with him?
You'll win here as well.
So, don't withdraw the case.
What was he saying?
That I'll be winning here as well.
So, I shouldn't withdraw the case.
Why would he say that?
Something else is brewing, which we cannot foresee.
The court accepts that there is a complex relation between
personal law and criminal procedure.
Especially, Section 125 relating to maintenance and rights of women.
However, it has been noted that the dower is only a component of marriage,
and does not form part of post-divorce maintenance.
Considering all the facts,
this court decides in favor of the petitioner.
As per section 125 of the CrPC,
a wife has the right to claim maintenance from her husband.
The amount of maintenance
is decided to be 180 rupees and 20 paise.
The court is adjourned.
Are you here to rub salt in my wound?
It would've been fun to rub salt into your wound
if only I believed the wound was real.
You didn't lose this case, Abbas.
You decided to forfeit.
You knew that the Supreme Court judgements in Bai Tahira and Fuzlunbi cases
would go against you.
If you had won this case in the High Court,
how would you take it to the Supreme Court?
You want to go to the Supreme Court.
Only Supreme Court can overturn its earlier judgement.
Not bad!
I thought it might take some time for you to understand this, Ms. Bela.
I'm impressed.
This isn't my personal fight any more.
This is even bigger.
We are going to create history with this case.
Under the garb of Secular Law,
you are openly mocking Sharia
and you expect us to be mute spectators to this?
It is our responsibility to protect our laws.
It was also your responsibility to look after Bano and your children.
Oh, you're diabetic.
Bano did mention that.
Abbas is all prepared for the Supreme Court.
He won't turn back.
Anyway, at least someone is benefiting from this case.
Well played, Mr. Faraaz.
I'm aware that you're going to be working with Abbas.
This is a matter of integrity, Bela ma'am. That's why I stand with you.
Otherwise, when have you ever actually trusted me?
Abbas, if you can't spare the money, then I'll give it to her.
We can't ruin our lives over just 180 rupees.
You really think I'm going to the Supreme Court to save 180 rupees?
Fool.
Yes, I'm a fool! Because I fail to understand this.
Please help me understand.
I know what I'm doing.
What do you want, Bano?
Go ask Abbas.
I was okay to leave with 180 rupees and 20 paise.
Is it?
You won the case, and therefore he has to appeal it.
No, that is not true.
Tell him not to appeal.
Why are you doing this?
He was in love with you.
You were the one who created all the issues.
You never truly understood him. And now you are causing trouble.
Saira...
When you first came into my life...
I would have accepted you.
You know this too.
You didn't have to tell me the truth.
That Abbas was in love with you.
And that you are...
not a charity case.
But it did not matter to you.
That his lies will be exposed. He will feel bad.
You did not care at all.
Because, you could not
tolerate your insult.
Right?
Sometimes, love is not enough.
We also want our dignity.
Who's this?
Fareeda, Bano's mother.
How could you let this happen?
Would you please call Bano?
It's very urgent.
She will never step into this house, Fareeda.
Please do not call here again.
HAMZA ABDUL
ARMAAN HASNAIN
Brother!
Please give me half a kilo of onion and potatoes.
What a pitiful life your father had to endure!
Maulvi sahab passed away in such sadness.
May the Almighty excuse us from the burden of such a child!
Saleema Bi.
This man screams and shouts at you through the day.
Physically abuses you at night.
And later claims his actions to be valid as per the Quran.
Am I right?
As per Surah An-Nisa of the Quran,
men are protectors of women, as Allah has favored some above others.
By wearing a kurta-pajama and keeping a long beard,
you mislead people with your false teachings!
Do not preach my own religion to me!
"Iqra."
The first word published In the Quran was "Iqra."
It means "read."
You should read the Quran yourself!
The Almighty has ordered us to read it!
So that we understand His message and no one can mislead us.
When it comes to buying groceries,
don't you go about bargaining at different stalls?
But you'll settle for a Maulana just from your neighborhood Masjid!
Do you bother checking on what he is teaching you?
Today onward, she should be boycotted!
Nobody will talk to her!
Walk away as soon as you see her face!
She thinks she can teach me the verses of the Quran!
Nobody should sell any vegetables to her.
She and her kids cannot get out of the limits of their house.
Let's go.
Let us recite Surah Al-Fatihah.
Qamran! Bilaal!
Bilaal and Qamran walked away as soon as they saw me.
There is nothing more painful than this for a father.
Tonight is that night when
we are answerable for all our deeds to the Almighty.
He writes new destinies for us.
I don't think any of my deeds are going to save me.
Nor do I believe there's forgiveness written in my destiny.
But what about you, Bano?
How would you settle your dues?
I only sparked a small flame.
But it was you who burned our entire world down.
Tonight, the Almighty...
opens the doors of forgiveness and compassion
to all His devotees.
Whatever we've done to each other so far,
I pray the Almighty forgives us.
May He also forgive us for everything that's yet to come.
Greetings.
WHAT IS ACTUALLY AT STAKE? THE IDENTITY OF MUSLIMS OR NATIONAL UNITY?
For the day I have dreamt about
For which I've endured all the pain
For which I've been awake for eternity
Holding tears in my eyes
The darkness of sorrows will fade away
The shining moment is soon to come
It's my right
Shazia Bano vs Abbas Khan. Defense to proceed.
My Lordships.
Why do the Muslims of India keep talking endlessly about Sharia?
Haven't they already taken Pakistan?
If they wanted to follow Sharia,
why didn't they go to Pakistan during the partition?
They could have done whatever they wanted there.
In this nation, every Indian Muslim,
who is neither Abbas Khan nor Shazia Bano,
is having to answer these questions.
This is no longer a case of alimony,
nor is it about marital discord between husband and wife.
This case is about the identity of Muslims.
In fact, this case is now about the cultural identity of Indian Muslims.
And most importantly about...
why do they want Sharia?
Your Lordships, it's been over 30 years now.
But even today, In the Supreme Court,
we are arguing over personal law versus secular law.
Why?
Because we were promised by the Constitution of India that
Muslim personal law is a covenant between Indian Muslims and India.
When the constitution was being written,
every interest group was putting forth their demands
in the Constituent Assembly.
Every minority was fighting for its share of rights.
And so did we.
All we asked for were separate electorates,
representation in public offices, reservations, etc.
Your Lordships, forty years later,
there is now reservation for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,
and women have their rightful reservation and representation.
There are several protected groups and communities.
What do we have?
And... why don't we have anything like this?
Because we were forced to choose.
That's right.
Between politics and Sharia.
The same Indian Muslims who embraced the land of his country as their own.
We all were responsible for the partition.
But the burden of that partition has fallen solely on Muslims,
even 40 years later.
My grandfather, my father, and I...
and hundreds of Muslims like us
have always believed in the founding principles of this nation.
But every couple of years...
we are told to prove our loyalty.
We are constantly asked why we want Sharia?
Why should Muslims get special treatment?
Why don't you adjust?
One by one...
we let go of all our demands.
We gave up everything in the name of national unity.
In return, we only sought autonomy regarding Sharia.
The Islamic law which defines us as Muslims.
Your Lordships!
What is common between
a Muslim from Punjab and a Muslim from Kerala?
Their cultural identity.
Sharia.
Sharia binds them together.
Indian Muslims have paid a heavy price for Sharia.
It was the fig leaf that we were left with.
Will that also be snatched from us, to humiliate us even more?
Is this to humiliate us further to show us our place?
Fuzlunbi, Bai Tahira,
and now, Shazia Bano.
By using section 125 in twisted ways and by ignoring Sharia,
all the promises made to us are being broken in the name of secularism.
We are being deeply humiliated, and shown our place in society.
Your Lordships,
this case is a matter of identity for our community.
A matter of our existence.
It is about our self-respect.
Shazia Bano has filed a case here under Section 125 for destitution.
And she has been clearly misguided.
Because Shazia Bano, a woman prays five times a day, knows very well
that no one is left unsupported under Sharia.
The Waqf Board exists for such matters.
The Waqf Board takes care of thousands of destitute women in need.
Your Lordships, what is so special about this case
that she had to seek help from this court?
It is only because
Shazia Bano thinks marriage is a child's play?
She abandoned the house, and took the kids along.
And one day, she decided to take the matter to court.
This case shouldn't have been accepted by the lower courts.
This case shouldn't have reached the Supreme Court, Your Lordships.
It's a very sensitive issue for us.
Their victory in the Session Court and the High Court was
a blatant breach of trust for us.
After we were wronged there,
we are here in hope to get justice and reprieve
from the highest court of the land.
Thank you, Your Lordships.
Faraaz, where are you going away in such a hurry?
Sister, what do you think happened in there?
Abbas played the classic victim card! That's what happened!
He was very good, sister!
I've been fighting this case for the last seven years.
But after hearing him today, I did feel that we've been let down as a community.
You?
When did you join hands with them?
Every secular Muslim would understand the tricks played by Abbas.
Faraaz, when our constitution was being written
my grandfather told me--
Your grandfather did not write the constitution, Bela ma'am!
He used to replace the nibs of pens used by calligraphers.
My father was a secular Muslim.
He found a place neither in secular politics nor within his own community.
Next to Abbas's speech, your grandfather's story about the Constitution
seems almost inconsequential.
Anyway, forget it.
After listening to Abbas, if even I feel he is right,
then what will the jury think?
And tell me, what is our plan?
May I say something?
If someone asks me today,
I will always say
that she is right.
Bano is right.
Write your thoughts in a personal diary.
Don't dump them on me and spoil my evening.
Talaq.
Abbas has done a good deed by marrying her.
- I'm his first love. - Talaq.
We are the messengers of Almighty.
- Talaq. - Abbas is my husband!
You are committing a sin!
My Lords.
My client would like to present her own arguments.
Your Honor. Sir.
"My Lords."
My Lords.
My apologies, I'm a bit nervous.
Have some water.
My Lords.
My name is Shazia Bano.
A name lovingly chosen by my father.
"Shazia" means...
something that's unique and precious.
One year ago, my father passed away.
At his funeral, there weren't enough people
to shoulder his coffin.
Everyone in my village learned to write their names from my father.
And now, those same people write my name on walls,
calling me contemptible, a traitor, and worse.
My father's only "sin" was that...
I'm his daughter.
And that same sin
has been inherited by my kids.
Nobody plays with my children.
Because...
other kids are unable to understand the games my kids usually play.
They engage in role play as a judge,
and at times as a Qazi or a lawyer.
Sometimes they play scary, violent games.
Kaneez acts scared and shuts the door.
Bilaal pretends to violently break down the door from outside.
Qamran checks the door locks
at least four times before going to sleep at night.
It is the primary duty of parents to protect their children.
My kids don't have their father,
and their mother has become a topic of nationwide debate.
I thought of giving up many times for their sake.
But then I thought...
what if Bilaal or Qamran treated someone else's daughter the same way
their father treated me?
How would Kaneez feel?
She would start questioning her existence.
But then I strongly felt...
my fight is bigger than me.
It's not just for my kids,
but also for safeguarding our faith against misinterpretation.
Today, the Muslim Law Board stands firmly with Mr. Abbas
because safeguarding Sharia is their responsibility.
Mr. Abbas claims to have fought a tough battle
to get us our rights in the Constitution.
Do they include women in the community he is talking about?
Because time and again, powerful people
have acted against Sharia for their own benefit.
Once, a Nizam declared
his grandson as the heir to his property instead of his son,
which goes against the principles of Sharia.
But Sharia still remained intact in India, and no Muslim felt offended.
In 1947,
the Nizam of Hyderabad did not wish to be a part of India.
A war erupted and compromises were made.
Forget about the Nizam, even his pets were well taken care of.
And you expect me and my children
to depend on the charities of the Waqf Board?
You come from a privileged background, Mr. Abbas.
Please open your eyes and look out for those who are truly in need of protection!
It is the backward class of our community.
And the ones at the very back are women!
They need support.
In the High Court,
he lost the case on purpose so he could
overturn all the previous judgements of the Supreme Court.
So that by saying "talaq" three times
and handing over the dower amount,
a man can simply abandon his wives and children
and live his life freely, without facing any consequences.
Seventeen years ago,
Abbas married me.
We built a home together.
We had kids.
It was nine years into our marriage...
when Abbas got married again.
And I changed from being his "wife" to his "first wife."
The first wife is expected to
quietly hand over the reins of her home
to the new wife.
I couldn't do it.
And then,
the man who loved calling me his "beloved wife,"
uprooted my entire world
by pronouncing triple talaq.
As per Sharia, any man who pronounces triple talaq
deserves to be publicly whipped.
In reality, how many men face punishment for this?
Meanwhile, helpless women are often found sitting by the streets!
Marriage, as per Islam,
is an agreement between individuals.
But it's not just a contract.
It's also a responsibility of love and relationships.
And when
this agreement is misused to deceive in relationships,
that is what truly disrespects Sharia.
I'm not educated.
Forget about practicing law.
But over the years, going from one court to another,
I've understood one thing.
What is mentioned in the Holy Quran
is exactly what our Constitution and laws also uphold.
"A divorced woman is entitled to a fair amount of maintenance for her survival.
It is the responsibility of society to ensure this.
In this way, the Almighty continues to make His presence felt."
I've been asked repeatedly whether I'm an Indian or a Muslim.
A daughter? A mother? Been a wife? About to be a divorcee?
I'm handling all these identities together!
So why am I being pressured to choose just one in this matter?
I'm not just a Muslim woman.
I'm a Muslim woman of India, and I belong to this land!
And that is why I'm standing here, head held high, pleading for justice.
Hence, the law should treat me the same way it treats other women of India.
My father named me with great affection.
And today it is considered
nothing less than a curse in my community.
I'm here to redeem myself.
If I'm denied my rights today,
then I'm certain...
no parent would name their daughter
Shazia Bano.
I also want to shine To smile, and to laugh
Just like they do
What kind of life is this? I wish to live my life
As others do
If we are free from all discrimination
Only then will my heart smile
It's my right
In the case of Shazia Bano and Abbas Khan,
the court has carefully examined
all the aspects of Section 125 and Muslim Personal Law,
along with the judgements passed in the previous cases
of Bai Tahira vs. Ali Hussain Fissalli Chothia,
and Fuzlunbi vs. Khader Vali.
Article 44 of the Constitution,
the UCC
that promises a Uniform Civil Code,
has become a dead letter.
However, if we are to provide proper justice and respect
to every citizen of this country,
then we must fulfill our promise.
As per Section 125, every divorced woman
is entitled to maintenance.
And this right applies to Muslim women as well.
This court considers the Quran to be the highest authority in Islamic law,
and understands that, as per the Quran,
justice and maintenance
are the rights of every divorced woman.
This court has come to the conclusion that
there is no conflict between Muslim Personal Law and Section 125.
We therefore uphold the judgement passed by the High Court,
and accept the maintenance litigation filed by Shazia Bano.
It's my right
If this is what your world is
You are welcome to live in it
I want to part away from here
You are the one to consume The poison of pain
I may not be around But there will be my Almighty
He will bring it like a blessing
It's my right
So, what are your plans for the future?
I teach the Quran to young girls.
Whatever fees I earn,
I use to support my family.
"Iqra."
"Read."