Union Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today made it clear that the central government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not intend to change its stand on the issue of ‘Triple Talaq’ in the Supreme Court.
In an interview to Hindustan Times, the Union Law minister said, “This is a well thought out and considered view of the government in pursuit of gender equality and dignity of women.”
Prasad said that the practice of ‘Triple Talaq’ violated the fundamental rights of women as enshrined in the Constitution.
He also pointed out that several Islamic countries have already regulated their matrimonial laws and therefore, questions can’t be raised over the same in a secular country like India.
“There are many Islamic countries in the world, who have regulated triple talaq. They have made provision for arbitration and conciliation. At some places, only court decides in such matter. You simply cannot say talaq-talaq-talaq. We have taken a position that if Islamic countries have regulated their matrimonial laws, which have not been found violative of the Sharia, how can the same argument be raised in a secular country like India,” he said.
“Countries such as Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Indonesia, Egypt, Iran and even Pakistan have regulated their laws much earlier. If it can happen there, why can’t it happen in India?” he asked.
The minister, however, said that three basic principles – gender justice, non-discrimination and dignity of women – were at the core of the government’s affidavit.
“Should, in a secular country like India, a big group of women be allowed to get into a vulnerable situation only because they are of a particular community?” he asked.
Ravi Shankar Prasad’s remarks came after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) announced that it would boycott a 16-point questionnaire by the law commission, seeking public opinion on uniform civil code.
"Uniform Civil Code is not good for this nation. There are so many cultures in this nation which have to be respected," Hazrat Maulana Wali Rahmani, a representative of the AIMPLB told the media persons today.
