Indian Government Defends Islamic Courts

In India, the government has responded to a public interest lawsuit filed in the Supreme Court seeking the abolition of Islamic courts. (See prior posting.) The government argues that such courts merely issue advisory opinions, and that no one is required to use those courts. The government says that the creation of these bodies as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms is protected by India's constitution that guarantees every religious denomination the freedom to manage its own affairs in matters of religion. Reports are in yesterday's Times of India and Hindustan Times.