Abu Azmi reiterates stand that women having sex out of wedlock should be hanged

Abu Azmi, the state Samajwadi Party chief and MLA, seems adamant about hanging women who have sex outside wedlock.

Azmi, who deposed before the State Women's Commission on Friday to clarify his controversial remarks that "women having sex out of wedlock should be hanged", that he had made two weeks ago, reiterated his stand.

He attended the hearing in the Bandra office of the Commission along with party officials, and informed the commission in writing that "as per the teaching of Islam, women having illicit sex must be hanged, as sex is allowed only after marriage".

On invoking Islam, Azmi cited constitutional right of freedom of speech under Article (25) "It allows citizens of Indian to propagate the teachings of their faith and religion."

The commission didn't seem too pleased, however.

Susieben Shah, chairperson, SWC, told dna: "Azmi still stands by his statement. He insists that by Islamic rules it's correct. We are examining his statement and will take a decision in a day or two."

Shah said: "The India constitution provides equal rights to all women irrespective of their religion. The domestic violence Act protects all women, including those in a live-in relationship. Islamic rules can't be invoked to propagate one's opinion."

Shad had a meeting with various women's organisations and a larger meeting has been scheduled for May 3 to understand Islam's interpretation on Azmi's stand.

The commission registered the complaint against Azmi on April 11. He was issued a notice on April 15 under section 10 (2) of the Maharashtra State Commission Act 1993, asking him to depose before the commission on April 25 to clarify his statements.