It what is seen as major achievement of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Modi 2.0 , the Rajya Sabha has finally approved the bill that makes instant triple talaq a criminal offence.

Springing a surprise the Biju Janata Dal extended support while the National Democratic Alliance constituents, Janata Dal-United and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam walking out.

Soon after the bill was passed a delighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a tweet wrote,

An archaic and medieval practice has finally been confined to the dustbin of history!

An archaic and medieval practice has finally been confined to the dustbin of history! Parliament abolishes Triple Talaq and corrects a historical wrong done to Muslim women. This is a victory of gender justice and will further equality in society. India rejoices today! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2019

This is an occasion to salute the remarkable courage of those Muslim women who have suffered great wrongs just due to the practice of Triple Talaq.

The abolition of Triple Talaq will contribute to women empowerment and give women the dignity they deserve in our society.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2019

Lok Sabha had passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill last week and with Rajya Sabha now approving it, the practice of instant divorce by Muslim men will be punishable by jail term of up to three years.

The Upper House passed the bill by 99 votes in favour and 84 against it.

It earlier rejected an opposition sponsored motion to send the bill to a Rajya Sabha Select Committee with 100 votes against it as compared to 84 in favour.

It earlier rejected an opposition sponsored motion to send the bill to a Rajya Sabha Select Committee with 100 votes against it as compared to 84 in favour.

While the BJD supported the legislation, the JD-U and the AIADMK walked out, lowering the majority mark which normally stands at 121.

The ruling NDA has 107 members in the 242-member Rajya Sabha.

With the opposition in tatters , government astutely managed to get the required numbers to get the contentious bill passed.

“Today is a historic day. Both the Houses have given justice to the Muslim women. This is the beginning of a transforming India” said Union Law and Justice Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.