SC Upholds Gender Equality, Suspends Triple Talaq For Six Months. Asks Govt To Form New Law

In a landmark judgement, the Indian Supreme Court has held that the practice of triple talaq among?a section of Indian Muslims is unconstitutional. ?

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Triple talaq, or verbal (triple) divorce, is practiced by some in the Muslim community to instantly divorce their wives by saying talaq three times.

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice JS Khare has asked the parliament to pass a new law in this regard. If the law doesn't come into force in six months, then the injunction on Triple Talaq will continue.

AFP/ Representational Image

The apex court also expresses hope the Centre's legislation will take into account concerns of Muslim bodies and Sharia law. The verdict came in a host of cases filed by various rights groups and individuals challenging the controversial practice.

The petitioners claimed that the practice was against women's rights and regressive. Many Muslim women who were given triple talaq on trivial issues had also approached the court seeking a ban on the practice, something that is outlawed even in Islamic countries.

AFP

Islamic organization like the All India Muslim Personal Law Board had vehemently opposed any move to abolish the practice, citing constitutionality. Narendra Modi and his BJP had extensively campaigned against the practice, especially during the UP elections.