Faskh-e-Nikah is a judicial divorce under Islamic law, granted by a court in certain circumstances where a marriage is deemed to be invalid or where the wife seeks a divorce due to specific reasons such as cruelty, non-maintenance, or failure to fulfill marital obligations. It is distinct from the concept of Talaq (divorce by the husband) and can be sought by the wife under certain conditions. The procedure for seeking Faskh-e-Nikah (judicial divorce) in India involves the following steps: 1. Grounds for Faskh-e-Nikah: A wife can approach the court for Faskh-e-Nikah under Islamic law on grounds such as: Failure to maintain: If the husband fails to provide financial support (maintenance) as required by law. Cruelty or abuse: Physical or mental cruelty inflicted by the husband. Non-payment of dower (Mahr): If the husband fails to pay the agreed-upon dower (mahr) to the wife. Impotence or inability to consummate marriage. Desertion: If the husband deserts the wife for a prolonged period without justification. Failure to provide a place of residence. Failure to fulfill marital obligations. 2. Approach the Family Court or Shariah Court: The wife must approach the family court (under the jurisdiction of the concerned court in India) or a Shariah court (if available in the region). While family courts may be used in India, some areas have designated Shariah courts or institutions for Islamic law matters. In cities or states where a specific Muslim Family Law Board exists, the matter may also be referred to such bodies for mediation or dispute resolution. 3. Filing the Petition: The wife needs to file a petition before the court, seeking Faskh-e-Nikah, and must present her case by providing evidence of the grounds for divorce. The petition typically includes: Details of the marriage (date, place, and marital status). The reasons for seeking divorce (e.g., cruelty, non-maintenance, desertion). Any supporting evidence, such as medical reports, police complaints, or witness statements. The failure of reconciliation or efforts to resolve the issue amicably. 4. Court Proceedings: The family court or Shariah court will first examine the petition and the grounds for divorce. If the wife’s case is clear and the court finds sufficient grounds under Islamic law, it may issue a decree of Faskh-e-Nikah, thereby annulling the marriage. In some cases, the court may call for mediation or counseling sessions to attempt reconciliation between the parties before granting divorce. 5. Issuance of Faskh-e-Nikah: If the court is satisfied with the petitioner's grounds, it will grant the Faskh-e-Nikah, thus officially ending the marriage. The court will issue a decree, declaring that the marriage is dissolved, and the wife is free to remarry. The court may also order the husband to pay maintenance or fulfill any other obligations (such as dower, if not paid earlier). 6. Maintenance and Custody: The court may grant the wife maintenance after the divorce, especially if the husband fails to provide financial support during the marriage or after divorce. The court may also address the custody of any children from the marriage, as per the best interest of the child. 7. Finality of the Judgment: Once the court issues the decree of Faskh-e-Nikah, the divorce becomes final and legally binding. The wife is no longer in the marriage and can legally remarry after the iddat period (the waiting period in Islamic law). Conclusion: The procedure for Faskh-e-Nikah involves filing a petition in the appropriate court with the proper grounds and evidence. The court will examine the case, and if the wife’s claims are valid, the marriage will be annulled through judicial decree. It is important for the wife to seek legal counsel to ensure that her rights are protected throughout the process.

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