3- yr- jail term for instant triple talaq

◗ Triple talaq in any form — spoken, in writing or by email, SMS and WhatsApp — would be illegal and void

New Delhi, Dec. 1: Giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband, according to a draft law aimed to curb the practice which continues despite the Supreme Court striking it down.

The draft ‘ Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill’ was sent to the state governments on Friday for their views, a senior government functionary said. They have been asked to respond to the draft urgently, he said.

The draft was prepared by an inter- minister group headed by home minister Rajnath Singh. The other members included external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, finance minister Arun Jaitley, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and his junior in the ministry P. P. Chaudhary.

The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or “talaq- e- biddat” and it would 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.

Under the draft law, 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.

“The provision of subsistence allowance and custody has been made to ensure that in case the husband asks the wife to leave the house she should have legal protection,” the functionary said.