London, June 29: As many as 85 Islamic courts are operating in the UK, 17 times higher than believed to have been existing previously, a study said today, with a recommendation that the Sharia courts should no longer be recognised under British law.
The tribunals, working mainly from mosques, settle financial and family disputes according to religious principles. They lay down judgements which can be given full legal status if approved in national law courts.
However, the Sharia courts operate behind doors that are closed to independent observers and their decisions are likely to be unfair to women and backed by intimidation, a report by independent think-tank Cvitas said.
It said decisions from sharia tribunals can be presented to a family court judge for approval with no more detail than is necessary to complete a two page form.
–PTI