New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday gave his assent to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019, which criminalises instant 'triple talaq' among Muslims and attracts a jail term of three years for the husband.
With the President's approval, the Bill has become an Act.
Parliament on June 30 approved the bill that makes instant Triple Talaq a criminal offence, after the contentious legislation was passed by Rajya Sabha following non-aligned BJD extending support and NDA constituents JD(U) and AIADMK walking out.
It was the first draft legislation tabled by the Narendra Modi government in this first session after it took oath of office for a second term in May.
Several opposition parties have bitterly opposed it but the government had asserted that the bill is a step towards gender equality and justice.
Parties like the Congress, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK had demanded that it be sent to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny.
It was passed by the 16th Lok Sabha but could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha hurdle.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act 2019 brings into effect the law, where the accused under the act shall not be released on bail unless the Magistrate is satisfied that there are reasonal grounds for granting the bail.
According to the law, any Muslim husband who pronounces triple talaq upon his wife, by words, either spoken or written or in electronic form or in any other manner whatsoever, shall be void.
And the person accused of the offence shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years and shall be liable to fine.
With President's assent, the ordinance now stands repealed.
Also Read: Unnao victim still on ventilator, marginal improvement in condition: Doctors
