The correct answer is (a) either jointly or separately.
Under the Muslim Woman (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986, a Muslim woman who has been divorced by her husband is entitled to maintenance from her husband for a period of three years from the date of divorce, or till she remarries, whichever is earlier. The option to be governed by the provision of Section 125 may be given by the parties either jointly or separately.
If the parties give the option jointly, then the maintenance will be payable by the husband to the wife. If the parties give the option separately, then the maintenance will be payable by the husband to the wife only if the wife is unable to maintain herself.
The option to be governed by the provision of Section 125 is a statutory right of a Muslim woman and the husband cannot deprive her of this right. If the husband refuses to pay maintenance to the wife, the wife can file a petition in the court for maintenance. The court will then order the husband to pay maintenance to the wife.
The option to be governed by the provision of Section 125 is a beneficial provision for Muslim women and it is important that they are aware of this right.