Triple talaq: Now a jailable offence

New Delhi: A draft law which seeks to make the practice of instant triple talaq "illegal and void" and provides for a jail term for the husband was on Friday cleared by the Union cabinet. The nod paves the way for its introduction in Parliament during the Winter session, which began on Friday.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad confirmed that the 'Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill' has been approved but refused to share details as Parliament is in session. According to the draft law prepared by an inter- ministerial group headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, giving instant triple talaq will be "illegal and void" and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.

The husband may also be fined and the quantum of fine would be decided by the magistrate hearing the case. The bill is being introduced as the practice still continues despite the Supreme Court striking down 'talaq-e- biddat' (instant triple talaq).

The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or 'talaq-e-biddat' and it would give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking "subsistence allowance" for herself and minor children. The woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate who will take a final call on the issue.

Under the draft law, triple talaq in any form — spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and WhatsApp — would be bad or illegal and void. "The provision of subsistence allowance and custody has been made to ensure that in case the husband asks the wife to leave the house she should have legal protection," a government functionary said.

According to the draft law, which would be applicable to the entire country except Jammu and Kashmir, giving instant talaq would attract a jail term of three years and a fine. It would be a non-bailable, cognisable offence.

The functionary pointed out that after the Supreme Court order, the government was of the view that the practice would end. "But it continues. There have been 177 reported cases of instant talaq before the judgement and 66 after the order this year... Uttar Pradesh tops the list. Hence, the government planned a law," he explained.

He said that the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act were found to be of little help in such cases even as the government and the PMO were receiving complaints from women. As of now, the draft law is prospective in nature. But if Parliament feels, it can be implemented retrospectively once it is passed and gets the President's nod, he said.