20 Islamic nations have banned Triple Talaq, why can’t we: Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that 20 nations have banned Triple Talaq, then why can't we.

Prasad made the remarks while speaking on Triple Talaq Bill in the Lok Sabha. Leaders from various parties spoke on the issue of the proposed law that will make instant triple talaq illegal and void and attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

"20 Islamic nations have banned Triple Talaq, then why can't a secular nation like India? I request that this should not be looked through the prism of politics," he said while speaking in the Lok Sabha.

Prasad also said that the bill is not against any community, religion or belief. "This bill is for the rights of women and about justice."

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has appealed to the government not to interfere in religious matter.

"This is a very important bill which needs detailed study. It is also a constitutional matter. I request the bill be sent to joint select committee," Kharge said.

The Congress has maintained a cautious approach on the legislation banning instant triple talaq and criminalising the offence.

The fresh bill to



make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in Lok Sabha on December 17 to replace an ordinance issued in September.

Party leaders have argued against criminalisation and have also sought amendments to the bill to ensure the financial protection of women through a maintenance package by the state.

The Lok Sabha last week decided to take up the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, on December 27 after the Congress agreed to participate in the debate.

The fresh bill will supersede an earlier bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The earlier bill was approved by the Lower House but amid opposition by some parties in the Upper House, the government cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.

As the bill continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government issued an ordinance in September, incorporating the amendments.

An ordinance has a life of six months. But from the day a session begins, it has to be replaced by a bill which should be passed by Parliament within 42 days (six weeks), else it lapses.