Step 1: The Shah Bano Case
The Shah Bano case, decided in 1985, was a landmark legal case in India that involved the maintenance of a Muslim woman after her divorce. Shah Bano, a Muslim woman, was denied maintenance after being divorced by her husband, despite the fact that the Indian law mandated maintenance for divorced women.
Step 2: Legal Background
Shah Bano petitioned the courts to seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which requires a husband to provide maintenance to his wife after divorce. However, the Muslim community argued that Islamic law (Sharia) superseded the Indian law in such matters. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court.
Step 3: Supreme Court's Decision
The Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of Shah Bano, emphasizing the importance of a woman’s right to maintenance, regardless of religious beliefs. The decision sparked a significant debate about the application of personal laws and led to the passing of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which restricted the scope of the Shah Bano judgment for Muslim women.
Step 4: Final Answer
Therefore, the Shah Bano case dealt with the maintenance of a Muslim woman from her husband, making option (B) the correct answer.