Step 1: The Shah Bano Case
The 1985 Shah Bano case was a pivotal legal battle in India concerning a divorced Muslim woman's right to maintenance. Shah Bano was denied financial support by her husband post-divorce, contrary to Indian law mandating maintenance for divorced women.
Step 2: Legal Context
Shah Bano sought maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which obligates husbands to provide for divorced wives. However, the Muslim community asserted that Islamic law (Sharia) took precedence over Indian legislation. The matter eventually escalated to the Supreme Court.
Step 3: Supreme Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of Shah Bano, highlighting a woman's entitlement to maintenance irrespective of religious affiliation. This decision ignited a significant discourse on personal laws and led to the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which limited the scope of the Shah Bano judgment for Muslim women.
Step 4: Conclusion
Consequently, the Shah Bano case addressed the issue of securing maintenance for a Muslim woman from her former husband, establishing option (B) as the correct choice.