The amended Triple Talaq Bill was not discussed in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, 10 August, since the parties couldn't reach a consensus, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu said, a day after the Union Cabinet approved amendments to the bill.
The amendment allows a magistrate to give bail to the men found guilty of instantly divorcing their wives. Friday was the last day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
According to the new provisions of the bill, which is pending in the Rajya Sabha, instant divorce will continue to be illegal and void, attracting a jail term of three years for the guilty, reported IANS.
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The offence has been made compoundable. If the wife and the husband desire to settle their differences, then the magistrate can compound the offence on appropriate terms and conditions. Magistrate can grant bail after hearing the wife.Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, as quoted by IANS
One of the amendments mandates that only the wife or a close relation can lodge a police case, reported NDTV.
Cabinet has approved amendments in law relating to triple talaq. We’ve proposed three changes. If any husband gives triple talaq instantaneously and breaks the marriage, then FIR shall only become cognisable when it is filed by victim and even a blood relative or relative by marriage.Ravi Shankar Prasad
The bill has been stuck in the Upper House due to opposition demands on making the offence bailable.
The Lok Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill in December 2017 that made the practice a criminal offence for which a police officer could arrest an accused without warrant.
The bill proposes that a man who pronounces triple talaq shall be punished with a three-year jail term and a fine.
The woman will be entitled to maintenance for her and her children. A woman can also seek the custody of her minor children from the magistrate who will take a final call on the issue.
The bill was cleared by Lok Sabha and is pending in Rajya Sabha where the government lacks numbers.
(With Inputs from IANS and ANI)
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