MUMBAI: While making it clear that the legislation on triple talaq won’t be a jolt and it would be brought in gradually only after building consensus within the community, Union minister of state for minority affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said here on Friday.
“Triple talaq is a serious issue. Non serious players should not destroy the positive and constructive debate over the issue. Reforms need to start from within the community for them to be everlasting,” said Naqvi, who is in the city to attend a training programme at Haj House, while addressing the gathering.
Later, while speaking to media, Naqvi made it clear that legislation on the practices of triple talaq would be formulated only after ensuring that there is a consensus among the stakeholders over the issue. The process of consultation has begun, there are suggestions coming from different people and discussions are taking place with all stake holders, he said.
“Some people are supporting the cause and some are opposing it. It is all part of a healthy democracy. As far as the government is concerned, a consensus before forming any law on triple talaq would be sought and the law won’t be sudden. The process is going on,” he added.
The Centre had earlier this week told the Supreme Court that the practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy impact the social status and dignity of Muslim women and deny them fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
In a fresh written submission filed before the Supreme Court, the government has reiterated its earlier stand and said these practices render Muslim women “unequal and vulnerable” as compared to men of their community as well as women belonging to other communities.