The much talked about Triple Talaq Bill was finally passed in Lok Sabha after the opposition, Congress and the AIADMK staged a walk out when the Speaker refused to refer the bill to a Joint Select Committee. the government maintained that it needs to protect the rights of Muslim women.

The bill, which will now go to the Rajya Sabha, proposes that instant Triple Talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband. It also has a provision that only empowers a magistrate and not a local police officer to release the husband on bail. The proposed law would be applicable to the entire country, except in Jammu and Kashmir.

Some opposition parties, such as the AIMIM, moved amendments to the Bill which were defeated by an overwhelming majority. The Biju Janata Dal moved an amendment to remove the provision that makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years imprisonment with a fine. This too was defeated on the floor of the House.

Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad reportedly said it is for “women’s welfare.”

“The Bill presented is against the Constitution. It’s against the Fundamental Rights. We asked for the Bill to be sent to Joint Select Committee to get justice for Muslim women. They (the government) tried to get it passed as Lok Sabha polls are approaching,” said Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi said,” This law will bring Muslim women on the road, it will destroy and weaken them. And will be used to put Muslim men in jails. You will see how this law will be misused.”