Triple Talaq: SC ruling first step towards an era of reforms says Swati Maliwal

Delhi Commission for Women ( DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal on 22 August hailed the Supreme Court ruling quashing triple talaq and termed it as the maiden step leading towards much-needed reforms.

Maliwal said that the apex court's ruling in this regard has empowered Muslim women in the country, who have been victims of the instant divorce system.

"I think it is a historic decision. Since ages, this particular practice has been happening in India. There are various Muslim nations, which have banned the practice of triple talaq," said Maliwal.

"It is a big victory for the Muslim women in the country. And I think this is the first step to a lot of reforms, which should happen in various other religions," she added.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court struck down the Triple Talaq practice as 'unconstitutional,' by a 3:2 majority.

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 May 18 after a six-day marathon hearing.

During the hearing, the Centre had assured the apex court that it would come out with a law to regulate marriage and divorce among Muslims if triple talaq is upheld as invalid.

Rohatgi also conveyed to the apex court bench that triple talaq violates Muslim women's right to equality within the community, and also within the country

Earlier in the hearing, the apex court refused to hear all the three cases of polygamy, nikah and halala at once, saying it will focus on one matter at a time.

The Centre, earlier on 11 May, told the apex court that it opposes the triple talaq practice and wants to fight for women equality and gender justice.

Various petitioners had knocked the doors of the apex court seeking to strike down triple talaq. 

-ANI