A significant development in the ongoing struggle against the discriminatory practice of ‘triple talaq’ has unfolded in Thane, Maharashtra. Police have arrested a 31-year-old man for allegedly delivering the instant divorce to his 25-year-old wife, a violation of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, enacted in 2019. This landmark legislation criminalized the practice of pronouncing ‘triple talaq,’ aiming to protect the rights and dignity of Muslim women.
The incident came to light when the accused, a resident of Mumbra, contacted his wife’s father on Tuesday. During this call, he purportedly announced the dissolution of his marriage through ‘triple talaq,’ citing his wife’s independent outing for a walk as a reason. This action constitutes a direct affront to the 2019 law and underscores the challenges faced in ensuring its effective implementation across India.
Following a complaint lodged by the aggrieved wife, Thane police swiftly acted, registering a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused on Wednesday. The charges brought against him include criminal intimidation under section 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the new unified criminal code of India which incorporates elements of the previous Indian Penal Code (IPC), and a violation of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) section 351(4) pertains to criminal intimidation, encompassing actions designed to instill fear or apprehension of harm. The inclusion of this section highlights the seriousness of the act and the potential harm caused to the victim. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure justice for the woman affected.
The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in eradicating deeply entrenched societal practices. While the 2019 law aimed to provide legal recourse for Muslim women facing such injustices, cases like this one showcase the need for continued awareness, stricter enforcement, and sustained efforts to educate communities about the legal repercussions of ‘triple talaq’. The case will likely set a significant precedent in future legal battles surrounding the implementation of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act. Further updates on the case are anticipated as the investigation progresses.
