Triple Talaq, A Criminal Offence: Inching Towards Uniform Civil Code?

A bill that proposes to make the triple talaq a criminal offence has been cleared by the union cabinet and the government hopes to get parliament clearance for it during the short winter session that began today. In August, the Supreme Court said in a landmark ruling that the practice of Muslim men uttering talaq three times for an instant divorce is unconstitutional. Judges agreed with Muslim women that triple talaq, often delivered by their husbands over Skype or WhatsApp, violates their right to equality and leaves them destitute. Despite the court's order, however, triple talaq still continues to be practiced, the government has said. The proposed bill, called the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, is a "priority agenda" for the government, people familiar with the matter said. Home Minister Rajnath Singh led a group of ministers to draft the bill.