Triple talaq impacts dignity of Muslim women: Centre to SC

The practices of ‘Triple Talaq’, ‘Nikah Halala’ and ‘Polygamy’ impact the social status and dignity of Muslim women These practices deny the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution

NEW DELHI: The Centre has told the Supreme Court that the practices of ‘triple talaq', ‘nikah halala' and polygamy impact the social status and dignity of Muslim women and deny them fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

In a fresh written submission filed before the apex court, the government has reiterated its earlier stand and said these practices render Muslim women “unequal and vulnerable” as compared to men of their community as well as women belonging to other communities. “The practices which are under challenge, namely, triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy are practices which impact the social status and dignity of Muslim women and render them unequal and vulnerable qua men belonging to their own community, women belonging to other communities and also Muslim women outside India,” the Centre said.

“There are unreasonable classifications which arise from practices such as those under challenge in the present petition, which denies to Muslim women the full enjoyment of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution,” it said.

The apex court had on March 30 observed that practices of ‘triple talaq', ‘nikah halala' and polygamy among Muslims were important issues involving “sentiments” and a Constitution bench would hear the pleas challenging these from May 11. The Centre, in its written submission, has termed these practices as “patriarchal values and traditional notions about the role of women in society” and said that “the right of a woman to human dignity, social esteem and self-worth are vital facets of her Right to Life under Article 21”. “Gender inequity has a ripple effect on the rest of the community, preventing it from partaking in full, liberties guaranteed by a Constitution,” it said.