Fresh Triple Talaq Bill tabled in Lok Sabha

New Delhi:  A fresh bill to ban the practice of instant triple talaq was on Friday introduced in the Lok Sabha, amid vehement protests by opposition members who claimed that it was violative of the Constitution.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019 became the first legislation to be tabled in the Parliament after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed his second term following NDA’s massive victory in 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted that the legislation was a must for gender equality and justice.

Seeking to justify the need to bring in the legislation, Prasad said there were 543 cases of triple talaq reported in the country. After the Supreme Court judgement banning triple talaq practise, Prasad said more than 200 cases were reported.

Shashi Tharoor of the Congress said he was opposed to triple talaq but was against this Bill as it conflates civil and criminal laws.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that the controversial Triple Talaq Bill is unconstitutional. “Triple Talaq Bill is unconstitutional. It is a violation of the Constitution’s Article 14 and 15,” he said.

The Bill will replace an ordinance issued in February by the previous BJP-led NDA government. With the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha last month, the previous Bill had lapsed as it was pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) a penal offence. The new Bill is a copy of the ordinance in force.

Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019, divorcing through instant triple talaq is illegal, void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

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