The law banning instant triple talaq seems to have made life even more difficult for women. Since the passage of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights of Marriage) Act, close to 50 cases of triple talaq have been filed in Hyderabad.
A triple talaq victim, who is the mother of three children, is contesting four cases of domestic violence, maintenance, dowry and harassment. “There are many cases pending. We are only roaming around courts. Triple talaq is sending our men to jail and it is making situation difficult for us,” she told India Today.
All these cases have been filed in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, which consists of three police commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda.
“We receive minimum two cases for counselling; in a month we receive 50-60 such complaints. It shows the gravity of the situation. I request all to resolve their personal issues sincerely and not go for triple talaq,” said Khalida Parveen, an activist in Hyderabad.
Another woman asserted that the law against triple talaq was making things more difficult for victims.
“While the accused who gave triple talaq goes to jail, he at least gets shelter and food inside. The one who suffers the most is the victim. She can’t stay with the in-laws and is left all alone to fend for her child/children and herself while struggling to earn a livelihood,” she said.
Activists and NGOs working for women’s rights pointed out that the new law, which sends the offender/husband to jail for three years, had a major flaw.
“Muslim women are facing loads of hardship due to it. If the husband is jailed, who will provide maintenance, who is going to provide for the wife and child? The government should come forward and provide maintenance at the very least,” said Asif Hussain Sohail, who runs an NGO in Hyderabad.
When the triple talaq bill was being debated in Parliament, Hyderabad MP and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi had termed it an “injustice” towards Muslim women and opposed the criminalisation of triple talaq.
“At the time of passing the law, we had raised objection and pointed out that it will not come as a help for Muslim women. The drawback of this law is that under it, the proof of burden is on the woman. There are one crore Muslims in GHMC and still only a few cases have come to light. A law is not necessary, but sensitisation is required,” said Maulana Syed Ul Qadari.
This story first appeared on indiatoday.in