The Supreme Court, yesterday, passed a verdict on the issue of triple talaq, the controversial Muslim divorce law that allows men to leave their wives immediately by uttering the word “talaq” (divorce) thrice. Calling it unconstitutional, a five-judge Supreme Court bench has stayed instant triple talaq asking Parliament to bring legislation within six months. We spoke to a cross-section of celebrities for their reaction and here’s what they had to say:
The Supreme Court, yesterday, passed a verdict on the issue of triple talaq, the controversial Muslim divorce law that allows men to leave their wives immediately by uttering the word “talaq” (divorce) thrice. Calling it unconstitutional, a five-judge Supreme Court bench has stayed instant triple talaq asking Parliament to bring legislation within six months. We spoke to a cross-section of celebrities for their reaction and here’s what they had to say:
1. Naseeruddin
)
It is definitely a judgment of huge significance. This regressive and chauvinistic tradition should be put to an end. It is going to be tough for the Government to implement it and make sure that extra constitutional elements don’t try taking the law in their own hands. It may offend a certain section, who claim that it is against the Islamic law, but no right-thinking person, will endorse triple talaq. Ideally, the change should come from within the Muslim community. That will make it much easier for the Government. Otherwise, how would you go about checking how many wives a person has and how many he has divorced? All Muslims should ponder over this question.
2. Mini Mathur
)
It was awaited and much-needed. The triple talaq is prehistoric, arbitrary and against all human rights. I’m happy that the SC has asked for a law to be made to protect the rights of women. It’s a beacon of positivity at a time when women are feeling victimised on so many counts.
3. Shruti Seth
)
They are upholding it right now for six months and asking for legislation, which is fine. I personally think that any religious practice, many of which have been draconian, must be amended for the current times. That’s the most important thing. Something that is this unconstitutional and brazenly unequal when it comes to men and women has to be reviewed by people sitting in position of power and make it relevant to current times. Let’s keep our fingers crossed. In the meantime, there is some sort of solidarity for women who had it tougher on account of these draconian religious practices. I just hope that all of us stand behind them and those who have certain liberties extend them to those who don’t have. This will be something new, more relevant, and a new leaf turned by the country.
4. Nafisa Ali
)
It’s a good initiative forward. Men have always taken advantage of women. Now, a man has to think twice before acting. Even Hindu women need protection from dowry, and even from parents who sideline them. There’s a continuous fight for women for their rights. It’s a long process. But as a woman, I welcome this change.
5. Iqbal Khan
)
I am a practising Muslim. I don’t know what women are saying and what the mullahs are saying, but I will tell you what the Quran says. Saying talaq thrice in one breath, on WhatsApp, on a call, a piece of paper or to your face is un-Islamic. It does not happen like that. The Quran gives a compassionate way of saying talaq. There are three stages of giving talaq. If the wife cheats on her husband, that’s the first time the husband can say talaq and give a chance. If the same thing happens again, he says it the second time and they sleep on separate beds and try to save the marriage. Only if it happens the third time and he says talaq does the divorce happen. But people, including 80 per cent of the Muslim population, don’t know this. It’s very important for Muslims to read the Quran. There is no doubt that a law should be passed against the wrong way of giving talaq. No matter which religion people belong to, they need to have patience. Even in the court when couples file for a divorce there is a waiting period. They first tell you to save the marriage.
6. Tannishtha
)
The verdict may be controversial because of the religious angle but it’s a just and good decision for women because without the law, they are at the mercy of the society and men. A lot of times women are not empowered and they don’t have education, financial backing, or the independence to just move out, and have to depend on the whims and fancies of the man. This is such a historic and positive change, and I am very happy. Even if it does take time to implement, at least we have taken a big step in the direction. An archaic law such as Triple Talaq needs to go just like so many practices like child marriage.
7. Hansal Mehta
)
It’s a very, very welcome decision. I am in favour and have always been in favour of a uniform civil court. India, perhaps is the only country which has multiple laws, based on religion. Nothing can be more divisive than a law that discriminates on the basis of religion. It’s a good step because you will have a uniform civil court. Triple talaq is absolutely ridiculous. It just demeans the position of a woman in society. On the one hand, there is gender equality and on the other, there’s something like this, which is so biased.
8. Shabana Azmi
)
The fight against Triple Talaq has been waged by very brave Muslim women such as Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan members. They have brought the issue centre stage. So when, in 2016, Shayara Bano petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy, several women’s groups emerged from the community. They joined forces and articulated a new radical politics, at once with progressive and feminist groups. The Supreme Court’s judgement against instant Triple Talaq is a welcome measure because it has been banned in more than 20 countries and has no place in a secular democracy like India.
9. Apurva Asrani
)
It’s a historical judgement and I welcome it wholeheartedly. Politics and religion aside, we must not forget that it was seven brave women who filed a petition challenging the patriarchal practice. So, this ruling is a victory for women’s rights in India. Besides, I dream of the day when all Indian citizens will be treated equally, and the same laws will be applicable to all, irrespective of religion.
10. Ali Fazal
)
It’s a great move. This is a progressive move which will now, at least, make sure people don’t use it wrongly. We all should welcome the change.
11. Richa Chadha
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Most religions have misogynistic rules and strange moral laws. The verdict on Triple Talaq is a big step forward for gender justice. Kudos to the women who fought long and hard for this legislation.
12. Aamir Ali
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The practice of giving talaq was unfair from the women’s point of view. So, whatever decision has been taken for the women and their rights is good for them and everybody.
13. Pooja Bedi
)
In a secular democracy, we should uphold all religions and their practices. I’m not aware of the unconstitutionality of Triple Talaq however, we must uphold and respect all Supreme Court rulings. Personally speaking, I think all marriages in India should be governed under the Indian law not by religion. But for that, we also need a legal system that is swift and just and doesn’t put couples through years of fighting for a divorce.
14. Rukshana Eisa
)
I think it was long overdue. I have studied Islam and a man can’t say it three times and end it like that. There are many reasons and aspects to it, for example, there have to be witnesses present. Also, it was unfair to women and we live in completely different times today and one’s got to move ahead with times.
15. Madhoo
)
As a woman and as a citizen who understands the situation, I just want to say that I laud this courageous and historical decision. We all get angry with our spouses and in anger, and if in those moments, we have the liberty to walk out of a relationship so easily, it’s very harming to the woman. In those moments, the relationship has to be protected. I’m not against breaking a relationship if the proper legal procedure is followed. I think it safeguards a woman’s position.
16. Shaheen Abbas
)
I think the Triple Talaq concept is extremely unfair. One can’t end a marriage over WhatsApp or email. It is also un-Islamic and not in the Quran. Considering it’s already banned in many Islamic states, I think it should be banned in India, too, where so many (nikah) marriages are not registered.
