Bill on triple talaq to be introduced in LS tomorrow

A bill which seeks to criminalise the practice of instant triple talaq has been listed for introduction in the Lok Sabha for Friday.

'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill', prepared by an inter-ministerial group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, makes giving instant triple talaq "illegal and void" and provides for a jail term of three years to the husband.

According to the provisions, the husband could also be fined and the quantum of fine would be decided by the magistrate hearing the case.

The proposed law



would only be applicable to instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' and it would give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children.

The woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate who will take a final call on the issue.

Under the draft law, triple talaq in any form -- spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp -- would be bad or illegal and void. It would be applicable to the entire country except for Jammu and Kashmir.