Two significant occurrences around 1986 assumed central importance within the BJP's political landscape as it transitioned into a 'Hindutva' party. The first pivotal event was the Shah Bano case of 1985. In this case, a 62-year-old divorced Muslim woman filed a maintenance claim against her former husband. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor. This judgment was perceived as an intrusion into Muslim Personal Law by orthodox Muslims. Following the demand of certain Muslim leaders, the government introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which effectively nullified the Supreme Court's verdict.
The second significant event unfolded with a ruling issued by the Faizabad district court in February of 1986. This verdict declared that the premises of the Babri Masjid should be unsealed, allowing Hindus to conduct prayers at a location they regarded as a temple. An enduring dispute had persisted for numerous decades, revolving around a structure called the Babri Masjid situated in Ayodhya. Constructed in the 16th century by Mir Baqi, a general under Mughal emperor Babur, the Babri Masjid was at the heart of the contention. Some Hindu adherents maintained that it was erected atop the remains of a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, believed to be his birthplace.

In the Shah Bano case, what was the nature of the legal issue?

Maintenance claim by a divorced Muslim woman.

The Shah Bano case revolved around a 62-year-old divorced Muslim woman's plea for maintenance from her former husband.

Two significant occurrences around 1986 assumed central importance within the BJP's political landscape as it transitioned into a 'Hindutva' party. The first pivotal event was the Shah Bano case of 1985. In this case, a 62-year-old divorced Muslim woman filed a maintenance claim against her former husband. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor. This judgment was perceived as an intrusion into Muslim Personal Law by orthodox Muslims. Following the demand of certain Muslim leaders, the government introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, which effectively nullified the Supreme Court's verdict. This governmental action faced opposition from numerous women's organizations, various Muslim groups, and a majority of intellectuals. The BJP vehemently criticized the Congress government's move, labeling it as an unnecessary appeasement of the minority community.