‘Triple-talaq’ bill that had previously lapsed in Rajya Sabha, is once again given a ‘nod’ by the Union Cabinet.
Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, told in a press briefing that it gave its nod to the ‘triple talaq’ ordinance.
Once it is signed by the president, Ram Nath Kovind, the ‘triple talaq’ Bill will come into force for the 3rd time in less than a year.
The ‘opposition’ wants the bill to be sent to a select committee, which the centre differs to.
It is ‘considered’ one of the major tarot card of the ruling BJP, along with the Citizenship Amendment Bill, which too, lapsed in Rajya Sabha. This 2 bills are ‘considerably’ high priority for BJP’s political narrative.
In January, an ordinance was ‘re-promulgated’ as the revised Bill to make instant “triple talaq” a punishable offence, but it could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha where the government lacks majority.
The bill is set to lapse on June 3.
The Congress opposes the provision of jail term for those convicted under the law.
As per the bill, there is a jail term of three years as punishment for pronouncing instant triple talaq to one’s wife.
As far as Islamic history is concerned, one of the greatest Caliphs of Islam ‘Hazrat Umar’ had decreed a punishment of lashes for anyone who pronounced ‘three talaqs’ to his wife in one go, which simply asserts that Islam doesn’t have ‘provision’ for such an instant practice.
The Congress, however, argues that a ‘civil matter’ cannot be brought under a criminal offence, whilst there is no punishment in any other religion.
The ‘triple talaq’ bill was passed in Lok Sabha on 27 December,2018. The opposition walked out of the house after the speaker refused to send it to a select committee.
Congress and AIADMK were the ones who staged the walk out then.
Congress Heavy weight, Mallikarjun Kharge asserted that the government shouldn’t interfere in ‘religious matters’.
Congress MP Sushmita Dev claimed that the purpose of the bill is not to empower ‘muslim women’ but penalise ‘muslim men’.
AIMIM supremo, ‘Asaduddin Owaisi’ questioned the government’s motive behind the criminalisation of ‘triple talaq’.
He asked, “Why have you decriminalised homosexuality and criminalising triple talaq? Because it would be used against us. Sexual minority got a choice in Section 377, then why not religious minorities”
“If your faith is your faith, then my faith should also be my faith. Your (government) intentions are not clean. You can bring your own law, but we will not forfeit our religion,” Owaisi said.
NCP leader Supriya Sule, suggested that the government should bring legislation against ‘marital rape’ and a bill for women reservation.
Ranjana Kumari, Director of the Centre for Social Research, also a social activist said that the “Triple Talaq Bill is an issue that’s been handpicked by male lawmakers. Representation of women in Parliament is still woefully lacking.”
Union Cabinet approves Triple Talaq ordinance, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley
Read @ANI Story| https://t.co/uEReWG9WjL pic.twitter.com/DT3d1e8QH1
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) February 19, 2019