Lok Sabha to discuss triple talaq bill on December 27

NEW DELHI: The Lok Sabha on Thursday agreed to take up for consideration and passage the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, better known as the triple talaq bill, on December 27. The fresh bill, meant to replace an ordinance, was introduced earlier in the day. The NDA-dominated Lok Sabha had passed the earlier triple talaq bill, but it stayed pending in the opposition-dominated Rajya Sabha.

RSP MP NK Premachandran is slated to move a resolution at the beginning of the debate on December 27, opposing many provisions in the new bill.

When Speaker Sumitra Mahajan permitted law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to take up the bill on Thursday afternoon, many members felt the discussion on the bill can begin on December 27, when Parliament will reassemble after the three-day Christmas break next week. Congress floor leader Mallikarjun Kharge assured the House that his party would participate in the debate.



It is learnt that the Congress and other like-minded parties are set to oppose the “criminality clause” in the bill, which means even if the bill is passed by the Lok Sabha again, the government may have to either do a rethink on the criminality clause or face the scenario of not getting the bill through in the Rajya Sabha. Congress MP Sushmita Dev is slated to open the debate for the Congress in the Lok Sabha.

After Kharge sought the debate on December 27, Prasad said he respected the Congress floor leader’s sentiment and requested members to take up the bill in a “peaceful and sanguine manner”. Kharge readily gave the assurance.

Earlier, the house witnessed two adjournments over a range of issues, including the Rafale jet deal. However, later the members cooperated in passing two bills — the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, and The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018.