Triple Talaq Bill in Lok Sabha a political stunt: AIMPLB

 

AMN / New Delhi

The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has termed the introduction of The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly known as the Triple Talaq Bill in Lok Sabha as “political and electoral stunt”. It said that while victim of riots were crying for justice, Prime Minister Narendra Modi government was howling over Triple Talaq.

“Triple Talaq bill in Lok Sabha is a political and electoral stunt. Victims of riots are still waiting for justice. We urge Rajya Sabha members to stand against this black law,” said Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani, Secretary of AIMPLB on Tuesday.
In Rajya Sabha where BJP does not have a clear majority, the bill was not passed last year.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday despite opposition from the Congress and amid protests over the Rafale controversy.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the bill amid ruckus created by opposition members including the Congress, AIADMK and TDP over various demands.

Congress member Shashi Tharoor opposed the bill claiming it was targeted at a particular religion and hence unconstitutional.

“The bill was based on the ground of a specific religion and it was violation of sections 14 and 21 of the Constitution. This is a misconceived bill,” he said.

Rejecting his point, the minister said: “The bill was brought in as per the direction of the Supreme Court to protect the rights of Muslim women. Several Muslim women suffered due to instant talaq. This bill is in the nation’s interest and constitutional. The objection is baseless.”

The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha last year but could not make through the Rajya Sabha as Opposition parties opposed several provisions in the bill. They wanted the government to send the bill to Standing Committee of the Lok Sabha for thorough discussions with all stakeholders of the issue.

In September this year, the central government issued an ordinance making Triple Talaq a criminal offence.

Muslim organizations had also opposed the bill and organized massive protest demonstrations across the country last year. AIMPLB had conducted a signature campaign against the bill.

On Babri Masjid AIMPLB said: “will wait and accept the Supreme Court verdict in Babri Masjid case”. “If the government passes an ordinance against Babri Masjid, we will go to the SC”.