Triple talaq verdict ensures women's safety: UP Minority Affairs Minister

Uttar Pradesh Minority Affairs Minister Mohsin Raza on 22 August praised the Supreme Court's verdict on triple talaq and said that the judgement has secured the future of women, while also ensuring their safety.

"We welcome the verdict. I had put forth the reaction of the Uttar Pradesh Government. The view of the government was that all personal laws should be subject to the Constitution. This verdict has secured the future of all those women, who could have been suffering under triple talaq. Triple talaq has nothing to do with the Quran and there should be an action taken against those who support it," Raza told ANI.

He added that the Constitution is the highest law and the Muslim personal law like any other law must be subservient to it.

"All laws including personal laws must abide by the Constitutional guarantee and constitutional freedom. There is no manner of doubt that this judgment will go a long way," he asserted.

The Supreme Court earlier in the day struck down the practice of Triple Talaq 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 18 May after a six-day marathon hearing. 

-ANI