Lok Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill criminalising instant divorce

Lok Sabha today passed the contentious Triple Talaq- Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019 . The bill seeks to replace the ordinance passed by the previous government in February after a similar bill could not be passed in the Rajya Sabha. 303 parliamentarians voted in favour whereas 78 MPs voted against the bill. The Bill makes declaration of talaq a cognizable offence, attracting up to three years’ imprisonment with a fine. The offence will be cognizable only if information relating to the offence is given by: (i) the married woman (against whom talaq has been declared), or (ii) any person related to her by blood or marriage.