India joins 20 other countries as it allows controversial "triple talaq" custom

kwame

August 22, 2017 11:17 AM

Triple talaq was a means on divorce but not anymore, an Indian Supreme Court rules.

Muslim men cannot divorce their wives by 'triple talaq', Supreme Court rules

A landmark ruling has been made by the Indian Supreme Court after it ruled as unconstitutional a Muslim practice that allowed a man to divorce his wife verbally.

The ancient practice of allowing a Muslim man to claim divorce by mentioning the word “talaq” three times irrespective of the medium used and location.

The case was brought before India’s highest court by a group of seven Muslim women, backed by several organisations who wanted to see the custom abolished. Per the ruling, the government must now amend parts of India’s Muslim personal law that allows the ritual.

“It’s a very happy day for us. It’s a historic day,” said Zakia Soman the co-founder of the Indian Muslim Women’s Movement, which was part of the legal battle to end triple talaq.

“We, the Muslim women, are entitled to justice from the courts as well as the legislature,” she added.

The ruling could spur on other countries who are still holding on to the custom. Over 20 countries have abolished it with Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt being African countries who have done away with the rule.

kwame