A THOUGHT FOR NOW - NO TRIPPLE TALAQ, SAYS INDIA'S SUPREME COURT!

In the unequal relationship between a traditional or orthodox Muslim man and a Muslim woman. The man can simply utter the dreaded and probably petrifying words, after having married the woman, 'I divorce you', 'I divorce you', I divorce you', to the woman.

And that can bring an end to their marriage, and, for the woman living in a misogynistic world which is geared up to serve the man's and the family's interests, primarily, the end to her world.

For a Muslim women living in the West, or other secular parts of the world. Where she is accorded equal rights and has not been denied the right to be able to avail herself of education, and have a career. 

She might be in a position to tell her husband where to get off with his Talaq,Talaq, Talaq! A she might welcome the decision.

Whereas in the West, Muslim women are likely to have recourse to a secular judicial system to resolve disputes, involving or arising from from marital relationship. 

In India and traditional Islamic societies, such issues are more likely to be left to the relevant Islamic jurisprudence systems for their resolution. 

They might not have the option of choosing whether to opt for a secular of religious resolution, as they might have in the West.

And so it is that, India's Supreme Court, in making a majority judgement that it is  not sufficient for a Muslim husband to simple declare triple Talaq to his wife, and absolve himself of his legal and other responsibilities to his Muslim wife. Has advanced the rights of Muslim Indian women.

The fact that this was a 3-2 majority decision, shows how close it was, and how reluctant India's courts, including the Supreme Court. Are, in upsetting the historical, religious, traditionalist, feudalistic principles and practices which underpinning Indian society. 

Indeed, it might even be the case that this judgement is influenced by the conflicting and competing religious - Hindu, Sikh and Muslim - communities in India.

The decision by the Supreme Court, last week, to uphold the annulment of the marriage between Akhila Ashokun and Shabin Johan. 

Was probably not only an attack on individual rights and freedoms in India, but could also be seen as an attack on Muslims. 

It could be seen as all part of a wider agenda by Hindu nationalists to marginalise all other religious and ethnic groups, and Hinduise all of India's society. 

The conflict around the killing of cows, might also be intended as another part of the anti-Muslim strategy being adopted by India's ruling BJP government and party.

So, while this judgement is a victory for women's equality and individual freedom. Looked at broadly, it could also represent part of a worrying trend in India and Indian society. 

With the bigger objective being not to have  a forward looking and more enlightened India, but rather the retrenchment of India of old.

Because one or some elements of the whole are desirable, do not be seduced by them, as they might be no more than a means of manipulating the people to unknowingly facilitate an end which is not in their interest, and not one which they would desire. 

Now is a time for the people to become and remain more vigilant and discerning.