By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Kolkata: Kolkata, the eastern Gate of India, is all decked up to host the 20th session of the All India Muslim Personal Board, (AIMPLB), which is starting here tomorrow.
According to Alhaj Sultan Ahmad, general secretary Majlis Istaqbalia (Reception committee), on the first day after Maghrib prayers the meeting of the Executive Council of AIMPLB, chaired by its president Maulana Syed Rabey Hasani Nadwi, will be held. In the meeting among other matters on the agenda the report of various committees viz. Islah Ma’ashrah Committee, Dar-ul-Qaza Committee and Babri Masjid Committee, and their proposals would be discussed.
The Executive Council would also review the progress made by the AIMPLB in the matter of compulsory registration of marriages as required by the Government of India. It may be stated here that AIMPLB is opposing tooth and nail the Federal Government’s move as Nikahs of all Muslims are registered by Dar-ul-Qaza. In the meeting 50 new members of the AIMPLB are also to be nominated.
The AIMPLB’s general body meeting is to discuss and raise demands regarding adoption of orphans ruled by Supreme Court, new notification for consolidating all cases related to Babri Masjid demolition and their hearing in Lucknow court and amendment in Zamindari Act to grant share in agricultural land to Muslim girls.
Meanwhile, the inaugural session of the general body meeting of AIMPLB would be held on the second day of the three-day conference at the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Manch here on Saturday.
The highlight of third day will be a huge public meeting at Park Circus ground after Zohar prayers and would continue till Isha prayers.
It may be mentioned here that the AIMPLB was established in April 1973 when then Government of India was trying to subvert Shariah law applicable to Indian Muslims through parallel legislation. Adoption Bill had been tabled in the Parliament. H.R.Gokhle, the then Federal Law Minister, had termed this Bill as the first step towards Uniform Civil Code.
The main objective of ALIMPLB is to adopt suitable strategies for protection and continued applicability of “Muslim Personal Law” i.e. Shariat Application Act in India. To strive for annulment or exempting the Muslims from the ambit of such direct, indirect or parallel legislation, whether already enacted or in the process of enactment or to be enacted in future, or rulings and judgements of the courts of law interfering in the application of Muslim Personal Law. To generate awareness about the injunctions of Islamic Shariah regarding personal and social life of Muslims, and publication of literature for the purpose. To formulate a comprehensive framework for promotion and enforcement of personal laws of Islamic Shariah among the Muslims.
Meanwhile, Alhaj Sultan Ahmad said about 100 of the 400 delegates have arrived to participate in the conference. The rest would reach the city tomorrow. There are about 50 women delegates who would be attending the session.
Chairperson of women cell of AIMPLB Noor Jahan Shakil, who is also a member of the reception committee, has been very active to enthuse Muslim women of Kolkata to participate in the public meeting of the AIMPLB conference in large numbers. She apprised them about the aims and objectives of the Board’s session and its importance. ([email protected])