New Delhi | The Triple Talaq Bill has now been passed in the Lok Sabha today, criminalising it, after an intense discussion which lasted for hours.
The motion to consider the Bill was passed with 303 ‘yes’ votes against 82 ‘no’ votes. After clause by clause discussion, the Speaker Om Birla announced the bill has passed.
The Bill was passed in Lok Sabha winter session in December 2018 but had failed to get approved in the Rajya Sabha.
The Triple Talaq bill will now wait for clearance in the Upper House to get amended.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Thursday defended the bill to ban instant triple talaq, saying despite the Supreme Court striking down the practice as illegal and unconstitutional, several hundred cases have been reported.
Replying to the debate on the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 in Lok Sabha, he questioned the opposition to up to three year jail term for the husband who gives instant triple talaq.
“When Hindus and Muslims are jailed under dowry law or Domestic Violence Act, no one objects. What is the objection in penalising the practice,” he said.
Congress leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury opposed the penal provision ahead of the voting on the bill, saying the Supreme Court never asked the government to introduce penal provisions. “Present laws are sufficient,” he said.
The Trinamool Congress walked out of the proceecings ahead of voting, saying it was opposed to the draft law.
(With PTI inputs)
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