Why is the Supreme Court examining polygamy again? | Explained

Why is the Supreme Court examining polygamy again? Explained What are the petitioners seeking?

Key points

• After a petition challenging the constitutional status of polygamy, the Supreme Court sought the Centre's response last week Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP.
• Incidentally, Section 82 applies to non-Muslims and provides for a punishment of up to seven years for marrying another person during the subsistence of an existing marriage.
• The Muslim men's supposed right to have multiple wives is once again before the Supreme Court.

Why is the Supreme Court examining polygamy again? Explained What are the petitioners seeking? What has the court ruled on polygamy before?

For context, the Muslim men's supposed right to have multiple wives is once again before the Supreme Court. After a petition challenging the constitutional status of polygamy, the court sought the Centre's response last week. It additionally asked the Centre to consider taking suitable legislative steps to abolish the practice for all citizens, irrespective of religion. The petition was filed by five activists. This person sought to have polygamy treated as a criminal offence under Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Incidentally, Section 82 applies to non-Muslims and provides for a punishment of up to seven years for marrying another person during the subsistence of an existing marriage. The petitioners additionally sought annulment of the exemptions granted under Muslim Personal Law.

In short, why is the Supreme Court examining polygamy again? Is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.