The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, commonly called the triple talaq Bill,will be taken up for consideration in the Lok Sabha on December 27, as the government on Thursday agreed with the suggestion of Congress leader in the House Mallikarjun Kharge to do so.
This happened after Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narendra Singh Tomar sought an assurance from the Opposition that it would allow discussion on the Bill without disruption on that day.
Disruptions againADVERTISEMENT
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Earlier, the Lok Sabha witnessed disruptions in the first half, with the AIADMK registering its protest against Karnataka’s decision to construct a dam over the Cauvery at Mekedatu, and members from Karnataka opposing it. The AIADMK claimed that Tamil Nadu farmers would not get water if the dam is built.
The TDP also continued its protest for the grant of special category status for Andhra Pradesh and the setting up of a steel plant in the State. The Congress continued to demand a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the Rafale deal, while BJP members raised slogans against Congress president Rahul Gandhi.
The discussion on the Muslim Women’s Bill was postponed on Mr. Kharge’s request. “I request you to take the Bill on December 27. We are all going to participate. Our party and other political parties are ready to discuss [the Bill],” he said.
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Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad replied, “As Kharge ji has made an open promise, we have no problems in having a discussion on December 27. I urge that this debate be held in a sanguine and peaceful manner.”
The fresh Bill to make the practice of triple talaq among Muslims a penal offence was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday to replace an ordinance promulgated in September.
Under the proposed law, giving instant triple talaq will be illegal and void and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.
The fresh Bill will supersede an earlier Bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha.
This Bill comes in the wake of the government accepting some amendments given by Opposition parties, including the introduction of a provision for bail. But as it continued to face resistance in the Rajya Sabha, the government brought an ordinance in September, incorporating amendments.
(With PTI inputs)