The government on Friday alleged that the Congress was responsible for scuttling the triple talaq Bill in the Rajya Sabha, which now includes three crucial amendments such as providing for bail before the start of trial.
The Union Cabinet had approved the changes in the draft legislation on Thursday and planned to introduce it in the Rajya Sabha on the last day of the monsoon session. However, the Bill could not be taken up as the Chair said there was no consensus.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananthkumar later targeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi and his party, stating that they supported the proposed law in the Lok Sabha, but not in the Upper House.
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However, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said her party’s stand on the Bill was clear.
The Congress-led Opposition has been demanding that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, be sent to a Select Committee for scrutiny. The government had earlier attempted to get the Bill passed during the budget session, after the Supreme Court on August 22 last year held the “triple talaq” practice unconstitutional.
The Lower House passed the Bill in December. However, amendments to the Bill, after being adopted by the Rajya Sabha, will have to be sent again to the Lok Sabha for clearance.
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( With agency inputs )