Triple Talaq Bill passed in Lok Sabha

Replacing the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance-2018, the Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, also known as Triple Talaq Bill. When 245 members voted in favour, 11 voted against the bill. The bill seeks to make the triple talaq a punishable offence with imprisonment of up to three years.

Minister for Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad, during the debate, said, the Bill has not been brought to target any religion but to give justice to women. He questioned the opposition including Congress on their objections to penal provisions against the practice.

“When the Triple Talaq has been banned in over 20 Islamic countries then why it cannot be banned in a secular nation like India,” the minister asked.

Regarding compensation, the Minister said, it has been left on the wisdom of the Magistrate. Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad urged that the bill should not be seen through the prism of politics and the House should speak in one voice. He also added that the legislation has addressed the issues raised by the opposition like FIR can only be filed by the victim or her blood relatives or marriage relatives.

Meanwhile, members from Congress, AIADMK, RJD, NC, SP, NCP and BJD staged a walkout in protest against the passage of the bill.

BJP’s Meenakshi Lekhi said, the intention of Bill is punitive, restorative and reformative. Taking on Congress, she alleged that 1986 legislation for Muslim women was meant for appeasement politics not for empowerment. She said, the Bill is all about checking human rights violation and give protection to women.

In the debate, Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi pushed for the abolition of instant Triple Talaq saying the Bill is aimed at removing the social evil. He also added that it is also for creating fear among offenders who do injustice to Muslim women. He wondered over the objection of opposition parties on penal provisions against triple talaq. The Minister said there is a law against every crime and one should question the criminal provision in the Bill.

Union Minister Smriti Irani said, Triple Talaq is bad in theology and bad in law. She said, the Bill was brought for justice, not politics. Ms Irani said, those who are saying marriage is just a contract in Islam, should understand that no contract can be cancelled unilaterally.   (With inputs from AIR)