Fresh bill to ban practice of instant triple talaq introduced in Lok Sabha

A fresh bill to ban the practice of instant triple talaq has been introduced in Lok Sabha amid vehement protests by opposition members.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 seeks to replace an ordinance issued in February. The bill was introduced following a division of votes, with 186 members supporting and 74 opposing it.

With the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha last month, the previous bill had lapsed, as it was pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill proposes to make the practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) a penal offence. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad asserted the legislation was a must for gender equality and justice.