The bill does not give equal rights to men and women, the women’s group says.
Image for representation only
Kozhikode-based progressive Muslim women’s forum NISA has written to PM Modi expressing their concerns over the Triple Talaq bill which is debated in the parliament, reports Deccan Chronicle.
“The Muslim Women (Protection of rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 does not give equal position to men and women,” said the letter addressed to PM Modi. The letter written to the PM addressed their concerns of the bill being one sided and doesn’t differ much from the existing one.
VP Zuhara, president of NISA told reporters that, “Changing the duration to three months doesn’t help the women from getting divorced as there is no provision for her to decide whether she can continue to live with her husband or not.”
The letter said that if the government fails to pass the bill in favour of Muslim women, it should implement the Special Marriage Act to the adherents of all religion including Islam.
“Though the Bill makes the divorced woman entitled to the custody of minor children after approaching the court, it does not ensure any financial security from the husband. Also, the existing law wants the woman to approach the court in case of divorce when the man can just do the Tripla talaq. This provision is not changed in the new bill,” said Zuhara.
“Only Nikah Halala (ceremonial marriage) happens and not Nikah Nama (marriage registration). The registration should be done immediately after the marriage. But they remember it only when they want a passport, divorce or any other legal matter,” added Zuhara.