Centre adds provision of bail to Triple Talaq Bill

Seeking to allay fears that a proposed law which makes the practice of instant triple talaq illegal and imposes a jail term of up to three years on the husband could be misused, the Centre on Thursday approved certain safeguards in it such as adding a provision of bail for the accused before trial.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters here that the Union Cabinet has approved three amendments to the ‘Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill’ which has been cleared by Lok Sabha and pending approval of Rajya Sabha.

On Friday, is the last day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and the government could introduce amendments in Rajya Sabha. If the bill is cleared by the upper house, it will have to go back to Lok Sabha for approval of the amendments.

While the proposed law will remain “non-bailable”', the accused can approach a magistrate even before trial to seek bail. Under a non-bailable law, bail cannot be granted by police at the police station itself.

The amendment to the “triple talaaq” bill drew a mixed response from the Muslim community in the city. Nevertheless, they argue that there is no immediate need for the bill and there are more issues concerning women safety to be tackled.

Former chairman Telangana state minorities commission, Abid Rasool Khan said that the provision of grant of bail will hold no good to the husband as there are several thousand Muslims already languishing in prison for failing to arrange money for surety or bail.

“In the first place, there is no need for such a bill to be enacted. Next making amendments will not help too as after a case is registered differences between the wife — husband increase and their won’t be room for reconciliation later,” said Mr. Khan.

Woman activists Sana Parveen said that the move of the government is good as at least the husband will not go to jail and remain lodged there leaving at least his children in lurch. “Children might benefit through the move. But women I think will not stand benefitted as difference will rise after approaching the courts or police,” she felt.