Indian cabinet nod for Bill making instant triple talaq a crime

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Friday approved a Bill that makes instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat a criminal offence and a Muslim husband resorting to instant talaq can be jailed for up to three years, The Hindu reported.

The government intends to introduce the Bill in the winter session of Parliament that got under way on Friday. “I cannot discuss details of the Bill. All I can say is that it aims to provide a shield to the helpless victims of triple talaq,” said Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.

Last month, the Law Ministry had written to all the States for their comments and asked them to revert urgently.

“Many States have supported the Bill,” said the Law Minister, without indicating if any Opposition-ruled State disapproved of the move.

The proposed Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill will deal with complaints against instant triple talaq across the country, except Jammu and Kashmir.