Muslim bodies laud Rajya Sabha for stalling triple talaq Bill

HYDERABAD: Muslim organisations in the city have lauded political parties who successfully halted the passing of the ‘The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill’ aka ‘triple talaq Bill’ in the Rajya Sabha. They also said that any attempt to introduce any ordinance will indicate that the BJP-led NDA government was not sincere in its approach to the issue.  

“The Bill could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha only because it is not up to the mark. Certain changes have to be brought in, especially not to criminalise the act. If the government tries to bring in an ordinance, it would establish that they are following a political agenda,” said Maulana Hamed Mohammed Khan, president Jamaat-e-Islami, Telangana and Odhisa unit. 

Maulana Mushtaq Malik, president, of the Tahreek Muslim Shabban, said that the NDA government was attempting to push the Bill for political gains. “Apart from the political agenda, the government also wants to dilute the Shariat law. We appreciate the parties who opposed the Bill in its current form,” he said. 

Ms Jameela Nishath, a women’s activist, too spoke against the Bill contending that “criminalising divorce will not be of any use. It is a social issue and can be resolved with consultations. Civil law is quite adequate. And with the Rajya Sabha not passing the Bill, it now reveals the NDA government’s motives. They should change the draft suitably.” 

Supporters flay Political parties  
A section of the Muslim community which supports the ‘triple talaq Bill’ termed attempts by some political parties objecting to it as doing “harm” to Muslim women. 

Ms Siraj Unnisa, former vice chairperson, Haj Committee of India, said that the law should be strong enough to help women. “Several women are in distress but cannot express their sorrow openly. The Bill is stringent and men are already afraid after knowing the tough provisions in it,” she said, adding that playing politics over the Bill was causing damage to the Muslim community. 

Mr Firasath Baqri, a Shia leader, said that the women would be safer and secure if the new law is enacted. The Bill is clear and there is no need to raise alarm over it. “Currently, when the Dowry Act is invoked against any person, he goes to jail and obtains bail. His family does not get affected. So how will it get affected when the ‘triple talaq law’ come into effect,” he said.