India@70: Modi hails women's fight against 'triple talaq'

The matter is being adjudicated by a constitution bench of the Supreme Court.

New Delhi, August 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address hailed the women fighting the practice of 'triple talaq' and said the entire country is with them in their endeavor to get their rights.

"I pay my regards to the women who had to lead a pitiable life due to 'triple talaq' and have started a movement which has created an environment in the entire country against the practice," Modi said from the ramparts of the historic Redfort.

The prime minister said the entire country is with them in their endeavor to get their rights. The Centre has said that it is against the practice of triple talaq. The matter is being adjudicated by a constitution bench of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging constitutional validity of the practice of triple talaq among Muslims.

A five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar heard the issue for six days during which various parties including the Centre, All India Muslim Personal Law Board, All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board and various others made the submissions.

The bench had made it clear that it would examine whether the practice of triple talaq among Muslims is fundamental to their religion and had also said for the time being it will not deliberate upon the issue of polygamy and 'nikah halala'.

In fact, PM Modi has been repeatedly urging the Muslim community not to "politicise" the issue and requested them to come forward with a "solution". He has termed triple talaq a "bad social practice" saying such practices can be ended by social awakening.

PTI