New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved an ordinance or an Executive Order on ‘Triple Talaq’ Bill making Triple Talaq a punishable offence.
The Narendra Modi Government took ordinance route as the proposed law on Triple Talaq could not be tabled in the Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session of the Parliament in August due to lack of consensus.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 has been passed in the Lok Sabha but has been stalled in the Rajya Sabha over protests by the opposition.
The proposed law makes Triple Talaqan offence with a jail term of up to three years and a fine. The woman will be entitled to maintenance.
Triple Talaq, or verbal divorce, is often practised by a section in the Muslim community in India to instantly divorce their wives by uttering the word ‘Talaq’ three times.
Several Muslim and women organisations have, over the years, have decried the practice, calling it un-Islamic and anti-women.
Also Read: Triple Talaq Bill: BJD To Demand Reference Of The Bill To Select Committee