Triple Talak bill to be introduced in Rajya Sabha today

NEW DELHI: On Friday, the Triple Talak bill will be introduced in the Rajya Sabha. The Union Cabinet signed on the changes like adding a bail provision. The aim is to make instant triple talak or instant divorce a criminal offence.

In December, the Lok Sabha cleared the Muslim Women- Protection of Rights on Marriage bill but it was not approved in the Rajya Sabha where the NDA is in minority.

After making three amendments, the government looks forward to introduce this contentious bill. It will be sent back to the Lok Sabha for approval of amendments after the Upper house approves it. The bill aims at criminalising the Islamic practice by speaking the word “talak” thrice in any form; spoken, in writing or through electronic communication.

A woman or a close relative is allowed to file a police case against her husband for instant triple talak by uttering the word “talak” thrice in the first amendment. In the second amendment, it allows the woman to drop the case if the husband comes around later and they arrive at a compromise.

In the third amendment, the magistrate can decide on releasing the husband on bail only after hearing the wife. This amendment was drafted as the opposition demanded.

The government now expects support from few non-NDA parties. The ruling party had ordered all its lawmakers to attend the session as it was also the last session. Biju Janata Dal(BJD) and the AIADMK have 22 lawmakers in the house and all eyes are on it. Both of the parties opposed the legislation in Lok Sabha last year. “I want to ask Sonia Gandhi, will you stand up for women’s honour and pride? Congress should make their stand clear,” said Ravi Shankar Prasad turning his attention to UPA chairperson.

Calling this Islamic practice unconstitutional, the Supreme Court struck down triple talak in 2017. It stated that, “The law violates Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for equality before the law.”