Ordinance No More: Triple Talaq Bill Is Now Triple Talaq Act, Gets President Kovind’s Assent

The Triple Talaq Bill, which has been passed by both the houses of Parliament in the current session has now received President Ramnath Kovind’s assent, making it an Act of the Indian Parliament, PTI has reported.

A gazette notification about the same has been published and the Act will now replace the ordinance earlier promulgated in the regard. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 makes talaq-e-biddat or the practice of instantaneous and irrevocable divorce by Muslim men a criminal offence.

While triple talaq had earlier been made illegal by a Supreme Court judgement, the act makes the offence punishable with imprisonment up to three years along with a fine. It also allows any person related to the woman by blood or by marriage to report the offence.

Further, while the new bill has a bail clause for the husband, the estranged wife would first be heard by the magistrate before approving the bail.

The bill which had sailed through the Lok Sabha had received stiff opposition in the Rajya Sabha with several parties saying that it targets a community in particular. The bill finally passed the Rajya Sabha with the final tally standing at 99 ayes and 84 noes in the 241 member house.