HC verdict will boost Muslim women's rights, says SC petitioner

Ruling triple 'talaq' as unconstitutional, the Allahabad HC on Thursday said the concept violated human rights and that the personal laws of any community cannot be placed above the Constitution

New Delhi, Dec 8: A petitioner who moved the Supreme Court on the 'triple talaq' issue on Thursday welcomed the Allahabad High Courts verdict declaring as "unconstitutional" the practice of divorcing by uttering the word 'talaq' three times.

"The verdict is a big boost in our fight against triple 'talaq'. This verdict is very significant, not just for me but for all Muslim women subjected to injustice because of triple talaq," Shayara Bano said.

Ruling triple 'talaq' as unconstitutional, the Allahabad High Court on Thursday said the concept violated human rights and that the personal laws of any community cannot be placed above the Constitution.

Bano said it is time for the 'patriarchal' Muslim society to accord equal rights to women.

"This has given us hope of getting justice from the Supreme Court," Bano said. Her petition is being heard by the apex court.

Bano said the verdict has sent out a message to religious leaders of the community that it's high time the Muslim women get their rights.

"They should realise the sufferings women go through because of triple 'talaq'. The verdict also gives a message that there should be new laws to protect the rights and interests of Muslim women... that only men should not have all the rights, women should too," she said.

"It is a message to the patriarchal Muslim society where men have all the rights and women have none," said Bano.

In her petition in the Supreme Court, among other reliefs, Bano has asked for declaring the practice of 'talaq-e-bidat' (triple talaq), polygamy and 'nikah halala' as illegal and unconstitutional since these violate the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, including Articles 14, 15, 21 and 25.

She said a ban on triple 'talaq' will help improve the condition of Muslim women, and called upon others to join the fight.

IANS