Even in the present context, when all other religions enjoin monogamy, polygamy i.e. authority to marry up to four women is a privilege of Muslim men. Since it is one of the religious practices it is claimed to be immune from any legislative enactment.

 

 

Skinner v. orde (1871) 14 M.I. A. 309. Helen Skinner was married according to Christian rites with George Skinner who died in the lifetime of Helen. Thereafter she cohabited with John Thomas who was married to Christian Wife, who was alive at that time. In order to legalize their union Helen and John both converted themselves into Islam. However their conversion was not held to be bona fide. It was held that this conversion was pretended for the purpose of Bigamy that was not permissible under the law.