Triple Talaq Bill passed in Lok Sabha

Lok Sabha yesterday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019 commonly known as Triple Talaq bill by voice vote. 

Replying to the debate on the Bill, Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was important to bring in a law banning instant triple talaq as the practice has continued despite a Supreme Court verdict passed in 2017. 

Mr Prasad said, despite Supreme Court’s direction against the Triple Talaq, the practice is still continuing in different parts of the country. Several hundred cases have been reported. 

He clarified that the Bill is not against any community or religion and it should not be seen through the lense of politics. Mr Prasad said, the bill is aimed at providing  justice equality and dignity to Muslim women.

Mr Prasad said that many evils among Hindus, such as sati and dowry, were brought under the penal law. The minister said if Prophet Mohammed spoke against the practice, then why are we still not against it

He said that the Bill



is banned in many countries, and it is not a way to appease vote banks. He said that Muslim women have come to him and told him that after this law comes to be, they will celebrate Eid and Independence Day on that day. 

Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury opposed the penal provision , saying the Supreme Court never asked the government to introduce penal provisions.  He said Present laws are sufficient.

N K Premchandran of RSP questioned the intent of the  Bill.

He said the bill is intended to target a particular community. He said the government is citing minority  judgement of the Supreme Court to justify such legislation . He also questioned the government for taking ordinance route in this regard.

Meenakshi lekhi of BJP supported the bill saying that the bill intends of ensure rights of the muslim women.

BJD supported the bill while NDA ally JD(U) opposed the bill. Congress, TMC, DMK, BSP and JD(U) walked out in protest.