The Narendra Modi government’s unambiguous stand in the Supreme Court that the institution of triple talaq (divorce through the male repeating the word ‘talaq’ thrice) and polygamy, were an assault on gender equality and human dignity deserves to be welcomed wholeheartedly. That it has refrained from linking this to the BJP’s support for a uniform civil code is apt and prudent because that being a controversial issue it could well have disturbed a hornet’s nest. The Centre has buttressed its argument that triple talaq is retrograde by citing the fact that 10 Islamic nations including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have chosen not to adopt this pernicious practice. Though many women would be reluctant to speak up against ‘triple talaq’ for fear of annoying the males who are dominant among Muslims, there is no doubt that Muslim women live under perpetual fear and a vast majority of them would be feeling relieved over the Centre’s stand on the issue.
The affidavit filed in the apex court by the government says such a practice is not only unconstitutional but also a severe impediment in the nation’s development. That the BJP government has taken a clear stand on this is refreshing considering that earlier governments had fought shy of this reform for fear of incurring the wrath of Muslim men who revel in their domination over women. Apparently, the BJP reckons that it has nothing to lose because its share of Muslim vote across the country is miniscule.
What puzzles one is that India’s liberals, who should have been at the vanguard of such a movement and led the charge against institutionalised subjugation, have not put their full weight behind the move to ban triple talaq. The obscurantists too would do everything to prevent women from winning the battle for gender equality. The government and Muslim women in general speaking up for their rights must make out a strong case so that the latter get their due.
