Bill criminalising Triple Talaq tabled in Lok Sabha: Who said what in the debate

A bill to make instant triple talaq illegal and void and awarding a jail term of three years for the husband, was introduced in the Lok Sabha today. Here is what various parties had to say:

Published: 28th December 2017 04:24 PM  |   Last Updated: 28th December 2017 04:40 PM   |  A+A-

Image used for representational purpose. (Express File Photo)

By Online Desk

A bill to make instant triple talaq illegal and void and awarding a jail term of three years for the husband, was introduced in the Lok Sabha today. Under the law, instant triple talaq in any form -- spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp -- would be bad or illegal and void.

It would be a non-bailable offence and would be applicable to the entire country except Jammu and Kashmir, giving instant talaq would attract a jail term of three years and a fine.

The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' and give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children. The woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate who will take a final call on the issue.

READ HERE | Bill criminalising Triple Talaq in Lok Sabha: Issue not about religion but justice for women, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, calling it a "historic day" amid opposition to its introduction by members of different parties, including RJD, AIMIM, BJD and All India Muslim League.

Here is what the various political parties and their spokespersons had to say during the debate in the House on the Bill:

1. Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad | PTI Photo

The minister who tabled the bill made a strong pitch for gender equality. The law is about justice and respect for women and is not about any religion or community, he said, adding that the practice of instant triple has continued despite the Supreme Court order terming it void. Bringing up the point of the Bill violating the right to equality ( after some opposition members claimed it violated the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.), he countered: "What about the rights of the children and kin of the women divorced through triple talaq?"


2. Congress leader Manish Tiwari

Manish Tiwari | PTI Photo

The Congress is in favour of the Supreme Court's judgement on triple talaq but the Bill would have to be scrutinised by the Parliamentary committee, former Information and Broadcasting minister Manish Tiwari told TV channels. He added that difficulties arose, they would deal with it but the Bill would need scrutiny.

No member from the Congress was, however, allowed to speak in the Lok Sabha, as Speaker Sumitra Mahajan said that they had not given a notice in advance to speak on the issue.

6. Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge

Kharge said that the party does not support the triple talaq bill, minutes before ruckus broke out in the Lok Sabha.

3. Asaduddin Owaisi, President of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM)

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi | PTI Photo

AIMIM head Owaisi opposed the Bill, stating that it violates the right to freedom and was against the law. He said that Muslims were not consulted while framing the provisions of the Bill. He added that it lacks basic legal coherence and is not based on existing legal framework. His argument was that 
when there were sections in the Crpc for domestic violence and various existing legal provisions such as women's protection against divorce, what was the need to criminalise triple talaq. He also said three years jail term was an arbitrary form of punishment.

Owaisi added that the right to equality is against arbitrary punishment as well. If passed, the Bill would be an injustice to Muslim women and would lead to their abandonment.

4.  Rashtriya Janata Dal

The RJD stated they were against the three-year jail term.

5. BJP MP Bhartruhari Mahtab

Mahtab is quoted by TV reports as saying that the bill is flawed and has many "internal contradictions".

6. Shiv Sena 

The party stated that they were in favour of the Bill.

7. The BJD (Biju Janata Dal) and the MIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen) found the Bill 'faulty'

(With inputs from PTI)




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