Chennai: In a concerning turn of events, a Muslim woman named Nasreen Fathima has received a Triple Talaq notice from her husband, Khader Riyaz, within just 28 days of their marriage. The incident took place in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, where the police have refused to file a case, citing their lack of knowledge about the Triple Talaq law.
Khader Riyaz, in addition to the notice, sent a meager alimony amount of Rs 1500 to Nasreen Fathima for her one-month stay with him. Despite the presence of The Muslim Women’s (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act of 2019, the police have declined to take action, stating their unfamiliarity with the Triple Talaq law.
The affected family has brought this matter to the attention of the chief minister’s cell, seeking justice for Nasreen Fathima. However, they received a disappointing response stating that no action could be taken, even with the Triple Talaq law in place. Sadly, this incident has not received widespread attention due to limited media reporting.
Nasreen Fathima, a 31-year-old woman from Lakshmipuram in Palani, Dindigul district, got married to Khader Riyaz, a resident of Tiruppur, in August 2022. However, just one year into the marriage, Khader Riyaz’s family began mistreating Nasreen and demanded a dowry worth several lakhs of rupees in the form of gold. As a result, Khader Riyaz sent Nasreen back to her family in September 2022.
The family of Nasreen Fathima, who had earlier registered a dowry complaint against her husband, Khader Riyaz, at the All Women’s Police station in Palani, faced disappointment as no action was taken against Khader Riyaz and his family. Determined to seek justice, Fathima’s family approached the courts, and as a result, an FIR was finally registered against Khader Riyaz.
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The court took the matter seriously and directed the Joint Magistrate of Palani Sub-court to issue an order for a police raid at Khader Riyaz’s residence to recover the 32-pound gold jewelry that Nasreen Fathima had given during their marriage. However, during the raid, a shocking discovery was made – all the jewelry was missing from Khader Riyaz’s house.
Expressing their frustration, Fathima’s brother revealed that multiple complaints were lodged with the Women’s Commission and Human Rights Commission, but they received no response. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) met with the family, assuring them that he would study the Triple Talaq law online and provide a response. Regrettably, no action has been taken thus far.
Media Neglects Triple Talaq Issue, Raising Concerns over DMK Government’s Inaction
In a disheartening turn of events, the issue of Triple Talaq has once again failed to receive adequate attention from the media. Despite the presence of reporters from various mainstream media channels during Nasreen Fatima and her brother’s press interview on July 6, only Kumdam News and One India Tamil deemed it noteworthy enough to publish the news. This lack of comprehensive coverage has left the matter largely ignored by the public.
However, amidst this media silence, Hindu Munnani took a stand by condemning the police for their inaction in a social media post. They called for immediate action against Khader Riyaz under the Triple Talaq law, highlighting the urgency of addressing this pressing issue.
The inaction on the part of the state government, suggest that the DMK is apprehensive about facing the potential backlash from Muslim organisations. It is worth noting that the DMK has been a vocal opponent of the Triple Talaq bill and has actively participated in protests organised by Muslim organisations. This raises concerns about the party’s commitment to women’s empowerment, equality, and championing their causes.
Moreover, the behaviour of the Tamil Nadu police is also disconcerting. They seem to prioritize taking action against opposition voices on social media while turning a blind eye to the alarming rise in crime rates. This selective approach undermines the credibility of the police force and further exacerbates the frustration surrounding the issue.
The lack of media coverage and the government’s apparent reluctance to address the grievances of Muslim women affected by Triple Talaq highlight the need for a more proactive approach. Until the DMK regime demonstrates a genuine commitment to justice and equality, it is unlikely that Muslim women suffering due to Triple Talaq will receive the justice they rightfully deserve.
