Sir — As per reports, Muslims of 52 villages assembled at a panchayat in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, and imposed a fine of two lakh rupees on Salman Turk (45) for divorcing his wife Sabina Begum (35) through the practice of triple talaq. Turk was further directed to pay Rs60, 000 as mehr to his former (just) wife. The verdict of the panchayat only proves popular conscience and vigilance are stronger than man-made laws.
Deeply religious and conservative as the villagers were, they could not dare raise the claim of nullifying the dissolution of the marriage through triple talaq which is an age-old practice of their community. Sometimes awakening of popular conscience is more effective than a new legislation. Seeing the fate of Turk, Muslim males will think twice before uttering talaq thrice.