Cabinet approves ordinance to make Triple Talaq a Penal Offence

September 19, 2018

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday took the ordinance route to make the Islamic practice (instant triple talaq) a punishable offence.

The government has taken the ordinance route to provide similar provisions in the Bill as (The Muslim Women Protection of Rights in Marriage Act), which was cleared by the Lok Sabha in 2017.

Addressing a press conference, the Union Minister accused the Congress of not cooperating in the passage of the 'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill.

Describing the practice as "barbaric and inhuman", he said nearly 22 countries have regulated triple talaq. However, gender justice was given a complete go-by in a secular country like India because of blatant vote bank politics.

"I will again appeal to Sonia ji that this ordinance has been brought in the interest of the country to bring gender justice. I appeal to you to rise above vote bank politics and help pass it in the interest of justice for women," he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

The move comes after the government had failed to pass it through both houses of Parliament

The bill to criminalise talaq-e-biddat was passed by the Lok Sabha in the winter session of Parliament but got stuck in the Rajya Sabha with the opposition parties having reservations over criminal provisions in the draft law.

In view of the growing opposition to the legislation, the government in August approved three amendments to the 'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill'.

According to the new amendments, the proposed law will remain "non-bailable", and the accused can approach a magistrate even before trial to seek bail.