DNA Edit: Those trying to politicise a possible ban on triple talaq must be isolated by Muslim community

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s exhortations to Muslims to not fall for those who will try to politicise the ongoing review of the constitutionality of the triple talaq is an important intervention. For decades, no Indian PM has dared to broach this subject for fear of hurting minority sentiments, even as women in the Muslim community suffered because of a patently unequal divorce process. Rarely has an Indian PM gone on a campaign mode in tackling social issues. We saw this earlier in Modi’s crusade against open defecation, when he launched the Swachh Bharat Mission. Similarly, he became a powerful voice against female foeticide. But the political stakes are higher as he tries to combat triple talaq. This is because the entire Opposition and conservative Muslim clerics are ranged against him. It must be recalled that the Prime Minister with the biggest ever majority in the Lok Sabha — Rajiv Gandhi — had succumbed to the conservative cliche and the expediency of appeasement in the Shah Bano case.

The campaign against triple talaq is being fought at three levels now. The Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of triple talaq, which is nothing but an oral and unilateral form of divorce, not practiced by other communities. The executive appears to be exploring a legislative option, evident from PM Modi’s recent statements on  triple talaq. Earlier in April, at the BJP National Executive in Bhubaneshwar, Modi had exhorted his party workers to take up cudgels for women wronged by this practice, but asked them to ensure that their actions do not fuel conflict in the Muslim community. At a third level are progressive Muslim groups and clerics who have tried to reform the community from within. The results of this immense push involving the judiciary, executive and civil society is becoming evident.

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board has climbed down from its earlier hardline positions and promised to abolish triple talaq in 1.5 years. However, PM Modi’s request to refrain from politicising the issue adds a new dimension to the dispute. He is aware of attempts by certain sections to portray the reform as an onslaught on Islam and the Muslim community. In the 1950’s, BR Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru faced opposition from conservative elements in the Hindu community during their attempts to enact the Hindu code bill. What Modi is trying to do now is the unfinished business of the past. The failure to enact a Uniform Civil Code by the leaders of yesterday have placed the onus on today’s generation to get the job done.