Modi Govt Tables Triple Talaq Bill, Cong Says ‘Class Legislation’

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday, 21 June, introduced a fresh Bill on Triple Talaq in Parliament. Multiple arguments, both supporting and opposing, were made in the Parliament after the Bill was tabled.

As many as 186 members voted in favour of the Bill while 74 parliamentarians opposed it.

The voting was held through paper slips as the new MPs have not yet been allotted division numbers that would allow them to vote using polling machines.

While it was opposed by leaders like Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and RSP’s N K Premachandran, Prasad argued that it was a matter of a woman’s dignity and integrity.

‘It Will Ensure Justice to Women’: RS Prasad

While introducing the Bill, Prasad refused to see it as a matter of religion, caste or community.

He further said, "The rights of Muslim women will be protected (through this law). It will ensure justice to and empowerment of women."

As Congress MP Tharoor spoke against the the practicality of the bill, Prasad called Congress’ opposition to it as “regrettable”.

‘Violation of Article 14 & 15’: Owaisi Opposes Bill

Asaduddin Owaisi called the Triple Talaq Bill a violation of Article 14 and 15.

He argued that the Constitution says that if one wants to make a discriminatory law, they have to satisfy two tests – Intelligible differentia and rational nexus. He goes on to say that the bill does not satisfy the intelligible differentia.

"In this case, the Supreme Court has already said that the marriage is not going to end. We have the Domestic Violence Act, the Muslim Women protection Act 1986. Hence, your bill doesn't satisfy intelligible differentia,” he said.

He further took a dig at BJP’s stand at the Sabarimala issue and said that it has so much affection for Muslim women but is opposed to rights of Hindu women to enter Sabarimala Temple in Kerala.

‘Not Against Banning Practice, But Contents of the Bill’: Tharoor Argues Against the Bill

Tharoor called the Bill a “textbook example of class legislation” arguing that it discriminates against the Muslims. He said that he is advocating instant triple talaq but opposing making a "void act" a criminal offence punishable with a jail term.

He further called for a universal level action against the abandoning of wives.