Ballia: Man booked for allegedly pronouncing triple talaq over phone, dowry harassment

Police in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia district have registered a case against a man and five members of his family after his wife alleged that he pronounced triple talaq over the phone following her refusal to meet dowry demands.

The complaint was filed by Ruksar against her husband, Mohammad Arif, and five of his family members on Tuesday. Police said the case was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

According to the complaint, Ruksar married Arif on June 17, 2022, and subsequently faced harassment over demands for dowry.

Around a year ago, Arif travelled to a Gulf country for work. He later allegedly pressured Ruksar over the phone to bring dowry from her parental home, the complaint stated.

When she refused, citing her family's financial difficulties, Arif allegedly pronounced triple talaq over the phone and told her that their marital relationship had ended.

Ruksar also alleged that her in-laws abused and assaulted her before forcing her and her minor daughter out of the house. They also threatened to kill the two, according to her complaint.

Ballia Superintendent of Police Dr Iraj Raja said an investigation into the matter was underway.

In 2017, the Supreme Court declared triple talaq unconstitutional, ruling that the practice was arbitrary and violated the fundamental rights of Muslim women. (with inputs from PTI)