After years of “hardship”, Muslim women have found a way to free themselves from instant triple-talaq, Prime Minister NarendraModi said on Sunday in his first remarks on the issue after a bill to criminalise the practice was passed in the LokSabha.
The Prime Minister made these remarks highlighting the efforts of his government to give equal opportunities to Muslim women at two separate events.
Without referring to the Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill passed by the Lower House last week, Modi said, “The hardship faced by Muslim mothers and sisters over triple talaq is not hidden from anyone. After years of struggle, they have found a way of freeing themselves from (the practice) of instant triple talaq.”
The bill makes instant triple talaq or ‘talaq-e-biddat’ illegal and provides for a jail term of up to three years for the husband. The offence has been made cognisable and non- bailable.
Women under the draft law can seek subsistence allowance and can claim custody of minor children. A magistrate’s court is empowered to decide on the quantum of jail term, amount of fine, subsistence allowance and custody of minor children.
The bill awaits clearance by the RajyaSabha where it may come up on Tuesday.
Modi made the remarks while delivering the inaugural address at the 85th Sivagiri pilgrimage celebrations, at Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala in Kerala through video conference. PTI