Mumbai: The centre on Friday opposed the concept of ‘Triple Talaq’ as something which violates the fundamental rights as enshrined in the Constitution and said it did not form a part of the “essential religious practices” in Islam.
This was on a petition filed by Shayara Bano seeking 'Triple Talaq' to be declared unconstitutional.In an exclusive interview to CNN News18, Shayara Bano said the government has spoken in favour of gender justice.
Q: The govt today filed an affidavit in the SC stating that the practice of triple talaq not be regarded as essential part of religion and the validity of triple talaq and polygamy be seen in the light of gender justice. Did you expect this ?
Shayara Bano: I was always hopeful that the government will speak in favour of women’s rights and that has happened today. I am very grateful to the government for having recognized the need to address these issues in the light of gender justice
Q: Even so several religious heads including those from the he Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind continue to oppose your petition and state that courts have no business to interfere in personal law. What would you tell them?
Shayara Bano: Then they are turning a blind eye to how much women in the community have suffered due to such practices. I am sure the government’s position in court was influenced by what they saw as the ground reality .
Q: Are you hopeful that the SC will rule in your favour
Shayara Bano: I am quite confident, particularly after the position the government has taken in court today.
Q: Do you see more women in the community speaking up, your petition has got support from several quarters
A: Yes, the women’s movement is now speaking about this, several organizations that work for gender rights in religion are also taking up the cause with
Q: what is your message to political parties who haven’t taken a clear position on issues like triple talaq and polygamy, stating again that courts must
Shayara Bano: They must reflect of the what these practices mean to the women in the community, the mental torture that so many women have to go through because their husband can simply summarily divorce them on any pretext and it happens. So many women are subjugated, blackmailed because of the threat that if they don’t give in, they would be summarily divorced.
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