The bill to ban instant Triple Talaq is likely to be taken up for consideration and passage in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The opposition is against the bill in its current form, contending that it would end up victimising Muslims. The new law provides for a three-year jail term for Muslim men who get an instant divorce by uttering “Talaq” thrice. The ruling BJP has issued a whip to its lawmakers, asking them to be present in the lower house for the voting.
While the bill is expected to have a smooth passage through Lok Sabha, roadblocks are expected in the upper house. A chunk of parties, including Naveen Patnaik’s Biju Janata Dal and Andhra Pradesh’s ruling YSR Congress will object to the bill in the Rajya Sabha. Even ally Nitish Kumar has said his Janata Dal United will oppose it.
Most opposition parties, including the Congress, were opposed to stringent provisions like jail term for the husband. They contended that a penal provision cannot be introduced in a domestic issue that’s essentially civil in nature and that the bill, in its current form, would end up victimising the Muslims.
The parties want the bill to be sent to a parliamentary committee for further discussion.
The BJP, which returned with a larger majority than in 2014 in the recently concluded national elections, has repeatedly underscored the need to pass the Triple Talaq bill.
The government contends that the bill is vital for promoting gender equity. Central ministers have gone public saying it is tied to the Prime Minister’s new motto of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas”.
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