THE VERDICT: AS IT HAPPENED

THREE OF THE FIVE JUDGES

hearing the case said the practice of instant triple talaq is unconstitutional; the other two wanted it banned for six months till the government introduces new legislation. The majority opinion held that triple talaq “is not integral to religious practice and violates constitutional morality”.

THE SUPREME COURT

referred to the fact that several Islamic countries like Pakistan do not allow triple talaq; judges questioned why it should not be abolished in India.

THE APEX COURT

has for the first time reviewed whether triple talaq is fundamental to Islam and therefore legally binding. Three of the five judges held that triple talaq violates the tenets of the Quran.

THE VERDICT

was delivered by a panel of five judges from different major faiths — Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism.

THE ALL INDIA MUSLIM PERSONAL LAW BOARD

(AIMPLB), a non-governmental body which oversees the application of Muslim personal law, opposes any ban on triple talaq and argues this is a religious matter and not for the courts.

THE JUDGES

in favour of a new law wanted the government to take into account the concerns of some Muslim organisations who are critical of any attempts to meddle with religious laws, arguing it curtails their constitutional right to govern their affairs.