Muslim Women's Rights Day 2022: Know history and significance

Muslim Women's Rights Day is celebrated all over the country on 1 August to mark the enactment of the triple talaq law. This law, which made the practice of triple talaq a criminal offence, came into force on 1 August 2019.

The practice of triple talaq had allowed Indian Muslim husbands to instantly divorce their wives by saying the word "talaq" three times continuously, without considering her consent on the matter.

History

The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937 had given Indian Muslim husbands special privileges over their wives, which included the practice of triple talaq. Also known as Talaq-a-Biddat, triple talaq was practiced by many. On 1 August 2019, after the Rajya Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 on 31 July, the law came into force. This Act made the practice of triple talaq illegal.

The law was deemed controversial by some sections of society, who protested against it. But the government stood firm on its objective to enact the law. To commemorate the day, the government announced in 2021 that Muslim Women's Rights Day will be observed across the country on 1 August.

Significance

The law against triple talaq was successful in making the practice a cognizable criminal offense punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine. The Bill passed by the Narendra Modi-led government also allowed that “a married Muslim woman shall be entitled to custody of her minor children in the event of pronouncement of talaq by her husband, in such manner as may be determined by the magistrate”.

The law against the Triple Talaq helps to safeguard gender equality. It also strengthens the  fundamental, constitutional, and democratic rights of millions of women across India.  The bill also promotes the self-reliance, self-respect and self-esteem of millions on Muslim women.  The law has been successful in reducing cases of triple talaq by 80 per cent since it was passed, as per reports.

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