BJP welcomes verdict on triple talaq as mark of Muslim women's equality

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on 22 August, welcomed the 'historic' verdict on triple talaq and said, its not about anyone's victory or loss, rather it is about a Muslim woman's sense of equality in the country.

"I welcome the historic verdict on behalf of the party. This verdict is not about anyone's victory or loss. This verdict is about a Muslim woman's equality and democracy in the country," BJP chief Amit Shah said here.

"The triple talaq is illegal in many other countries. The Supreme Court, with this verdict, has given the Muslim women in this country a way to live with a sense of equality and self respect," he added.

Shah, while addressing the media, further congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Centre for putting forward the issue before the Supreme Court.

"I congratulate Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-led Central Government for putting forward the issue of the Muslim women before the Supreme Court with utmost wisdom and sensitivity," he said.

Union Minister of Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi, earlier in the day, said that triple talaq verdict is a step forward towards gender justice and equality.

"It's a good judgement and it's another step forward towards gender justice and gender equality. It's good for women. We will see about the law which will be made," Gandhi told ANI.

The Supreme Court struck down the practice of Triple Talaq as 'unconstitutional' by a 3:2 majority, on Tuesday

The five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) J.S. Khehar, deciding on the verdict, was seemingly split on the legality of the practice.

Justice Nariman, Justice Lalit and Justice Kurien opposed the view of Justice Nazir and Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar and dubbed the practice of Triple Talaq as unconstitutional and unislamic.

The Supreme Court further asked the Union Government to formulate a new legislation within six months.

The apex court reportedly referred to the abolition of triple talaq in the Islamic countries and asked "why can't independent India get rid of it."

The decision came soon after the apex court resumed the hearing on the matter on Tuesday morning.

CJI Khehar, while pronouncing the judgement, however, upheld the practice and said, "Talaq-e-biddat is not violative of articles 14, 15, 21 and 25 of the Constitution."

The CJI, further using his power under Article 142, directed the Union of India to form a proper legislature regarding 'talaq-e-iddat.'

CJI Khehar said that all parties must decide keeping politics aside.

The constitution bench had reserved its verdict on 18 May after a six-day marathon hearing. 

-ANI