The controversial triple talaq Bill that was introduced afresh in the Lok Sabha on Monday would be taken up for discussion on December 27 as Congress, which had earlier in the Rajya Sabha opposed some of its “harsh” provisions , also agreed to participate in the debate in the lower house.
In the new Bill, a magistrate can grant bail after consulting the affected wife. The offense would still be non-bailable and Muslim men accused of triple talaq would not be able to get bail from the police.
As the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, was taken up for consideration, Leader of the Congress in the House, Mallikarjun Kharge, suggested it be taken up for discussion next week.
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.
“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),” Kharge said.
To this, Law Minister Mani Shankar Prasad said, “As Khargeje 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 issued 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 supercede an earlier Bill passed in the Lok Sabha and pending in the Rajya Sabha as the Congress and opposition parties are opposed to its ‘harsh’ provisions. The earlier Bill was approved by the lower house where BJP has the majority.
Amidst opposition by the Congress in the upper house, the Government had cleared some amendments, including introduction of a provision of bail, to make it more acceptable.