Fresh Bill tabled in Lok Sabha to make Triple Talaq penal offence

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, or Triple Talaq Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Bill, which replaces an ordinance passed on September 19, makes the declaration of instant talaq, in written or electronic form, illegal.

The Bill was passed in the Lower House earlier with the government bringing in some amendments, including the introduction of the provision for bail, after it faced opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Later, the government issued an ordinance in September incorporating the amendments.

Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, while introducing the Bill, said that despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice of instant triple talaq, men were still divorcing their wives on flimsy grounds.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the Bill was targeting a religious community. "This is an attempt at creating a class-specific legislation on the grounds of religion. Instead of focussing on the larger issue of mistreatment and desertion of wives and dependents which affects all communities, this Bill is couched in terms of a specific religion. It is a violation Article 15 and 16 of the Constitution," he said.

Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and Article 16 grants equal opportunity in employment in government jobs.

Tharoor's reservations were turned down by Prasad on the grounds that the Bill was revised owing to earlier reservations from the Opposition, and stated that the law seeks help Muslim women.

IN HOUSE

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the Bill targeted a particular religion. Law minister RS Prasad brushed aside his claim and said that the Bill aims to help Musilm women.