Triple Talaq Bill cleared by Cabinet; Telangana sends no inputs

State officials cite ‘delayed’ notification by the Centre as reason for not sending their views.
A demonstration organised by a women's organisation against triple talaq. | File Photo
A demonstration organised by a women's organisation against triple talaq. | File Photo

NEW DELHI/ HYDERABAD: The instant triple talaq bill, which was cleared by the Union Cabinet on Friday, will be tabled in the ongoing parliament session and is likely to get priority over other bills, government sources said.Calling the Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill’ “very important,” a senior government official told Express that the proposed law was “certainly the government’s priority and would get preference over many other bills.” While clearing the bill, the Cabinet said it would act as a “shield” for Muslim women and protect them from atrocities.

The bill seeks to criminalise the practice of instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat in any form, with a maximum jail term of three years. Under the proposed law, the practice would be a cognizable and non-bailable offence. Besides jail term, the bill also has a provision of giving monetary compensation to aggrieved women. It also gives an upper hand to victims in getting custody of their children.

The draft law was sent to the states for their views on December 1 and they were asked for an “urgent response.” According to sources, only seven states — all of them BJP ruled -- have sent their response, supporting the proposed law. Telangana, which has over 13 per cent Muslim population, did not send its views to Centre. 

The State Minorities Welfare Department has blamed it on Centre, saying they got a notice just two days ahead of deadline, both being government holidays. “The Chief Secretary got the letter from Centre only on December 4. Following due procedure it was sent to my office on December 8,” said Telangana Minorities Welfare Department secretary Omer Jaleel. “December 8 being a Friday it was too late to call for representations.” 

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