The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), while terming the practice of triple talaq unacceptable, said it was opposed to its penal correction and preferred societal correction.
Members of the law board said they conveyed their reservations about the Bill to the government and are working to prevent its passage in the Rajya Sabha. They also said they would approach the courts if the Bill is passed.
“The Bill is defective. We have received representations from several women organisations who want us to point out the problems,” said board member Asma Zehra, adding that AIMPLB has organised awareness programmes to educate men and women about Islamic provisions on marriage and divorce.
The board members said during the plenary, they had resolved to carry out more such campaigns and also gather all parties opposed to government’s Bill, which they termed unconstitutional.
The board’s members also said efforts are under way to push a model nikahnama in the States, which carry a clause signed by the groom. The clause makes it binding on the groom to refrain from issuing triple talaq.
Advocating societal pressure, members argued that the proposed law would harm women’s interests, as a husband may neither agree to divorce nor fulfil his responsibilities towards his wife if he were booked.
The board also informed that efforts to put together a financial assistance fund for women affected by triple talaq are under way.
Later in the day, members addressed a large public gathering at the headquarters of AIMIM, where they urged men to refrain from issuing triple talaq and recognise rights of women. The board maintained that it is open to social reform in tune with changing times.
