Triple talaq violates rights of Muslim women: Allahabad high court

NEW DELHI: In a major boost to women's rights, the Allahabad high court today termed the Islamic practice of triple talaq unconstitutional and called it a violation of the rights of Muslim women.

"Triple talaq is unconstitutional; it violates the rights of Muslim women. No Personal Law Board is above the Constitution," said the Allahabad high court in its order.

The Supreme Court is also hearing a petition challenging the validity of triple talaq as several individuals and NGOs have sought a ban on its practice.

The government, for the first time, has opposed the practice in the apex court and said, "The issue of validity of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy needs to be considered in the light of principles of gender justice and the overriding principle of non-discrimination, dignity and equality."

However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has opposed the Centre's move against the triple talaq.

In 1986, the Rajiv Gandhi government passed a law to overturn the Supreme Court's Shah Bano verdict that had granted Muslim women lifelong alimony rights with conditions.