TALAQ BILL SAILS THRU LS

The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed a historic bill that makes instant "triple talaq" a criminal offence and proposes a three-year jail term for a Muslim man who divorces his wife by uttering the word "talaq" thrice. The bill was passed after the House rejected a string of amendments moved by various opposition members.

The bill empowers the victim to approach a magistrate and seek "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children. A victim can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate.

The bill will now be introduced in the Rajya Sabha, possibly on Monday, where it is expected to face some hiccups.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, who introduced the bill and later wrapped up the debate, urged the House to pass the bill "for the sisters of the Muslim community, for the dignity of women, and gender equality," rejecting allegations of a deft political move, saying, "We do not take decisions to garner votes. We introduced the bill after the Supreme Court called triple talaq illegal."

Several parties that have opposed the bill abstained from voting in the Lok Sabha. Among them were the Biju Janata Dal, the AIADMK and the Trinamool Congress.

Prasad told the House the bill is about justice and respect for women and not about any religion or community; he added that the practice of instant triple talaq has continued despite the Supreme Court setting it aside. Hence there is "a need for State action to give effect to the Supreme Court order and redress the grievance of victims of illegal divorce."

AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi and BJD's Bhartruhari Mahtab pointed out legal lacunae in the Bill. Owaisi said it violates fundamental rights and lacks legal coherence.

Outside the House, the Congress faulted the provisions of the bill even while saying it supports its purpose. It wanted the bill to go to the standing committee instead, so that it could be improved upon.

Party leader Mallikarjun Kharge said elaborate consultation is necessary on the bill. "We can sit together and sort out certain lacunae in a time-bound manner," he said.

The bill will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for passage before it is forwarded to the President for his assent.