Polygamy under Muslim law refers to the practice of a Muslim man marrying more than one woman at the same time. The practice is permitted in Islam under certain conditions but is subject to specific legal provisions in India. Polygamy under Muslim Law: Islamic Law: Polygamy is allowed in Islam, but with certain conditions. A Muslim man can marry up to four wives at the same time, provided that he treats them equally and fairly in terms of financial support, maintenance, and emotional treatment. The Quran (Surah An-Nisa, 4:3) allows polygamy but mandates that a man must treat all his wives equitably. If he fears he cannot do so, the Quran advises that he marry only one. Conditions for Polygamy: A Muslim man must treat all his wives with equal fairness in terms of material support, emotional care, and legal rights. If a man cannot maintain this equality, Islamic law discourages polygamy, and he should not marry multiple women. Polygamy is not a compulsory practice in Islam but is allowed under specific circumstances, such as if the first wife cannot bear children or if the husband wants to support widows or orphans in a society with an imbalance in gender ratios. Polygamy in India: Muslim Personal Law: Under Muslim personal law in India, polygamy is legally allowed for Muslim men. They can marry up to four women, provided they meet the requirements set forth in Islamic law, such as treating all wives equally. Legal Status for Non-Muslims: For non-Muslim citizens of India, polygamy is not legally permitted. The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Christian Marriage Act, 1872 prohibit polygamy, allowing only one spouse at a time. Criminal Law and Modern Legislation: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 regulates aspects of marriage and divorce, ensuring that the rights of Muslim women in polygamous marriages are protected. In 2005, the The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA) was enacted, which provides legal recourse to women facing domestic abuse, including in polygamous marriages. Recent Developments: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, often referred to as the Triple Talaq Act, criminalizes the practice of instant triple talaq (divorce) but does not affect polygamy directly. It is still legal for Muslim men to marry multiple women. Judicial Interpretation: Courts in India have upheld the legality of polygamy for Muslims under Muslim personal law, but they have also emphasized the need for fairness and equality in such marriages. In 2017, the Supreme Court in the Shayara Bano vs. Union of India case, which dealt with the practice of triple talaq, emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights, although this did not directly address the issue of polygamy. Conclusion: Polygamy is legally allowed under Muslim personal law in India for Muslim men, subject to the condition of fair treatment of all wives. However, it is prohibited for non-Muslims under Indian law. Despite its allowance, polygamy remains a controversial practice, with ongoing discussions regarding women's rights, equality, and reforms within the Muslim community.