Tripal Talaq
Tripal Talaq
Tripal Talaq
University
Visakhapatnam, A.P., India
Triple Talaq
Dr. S. Radhakrishna
I would sincerely like to put forward my heartfelt appreciation to our Family law
assistant Professor, Dr. S. Radhakrishna for giving me a golden opportunity
to take up The project Triple Talaq we have tried my best to collect information
about the project in various possible ways to depict clear picture of given project
topic.
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Triple Talaq
Family Law-I
Triple Talaq
CONTEXT
Chapters Pages
1. Introduction
3. Current Concerns
4. Case laws
5. Conclusion
6. Bibliography
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Triple Talaq
Introduction
The relationship between husband and wife is always very deep but delicate. Trust is the
hallmark of maintaining relationship between husband & wife.1
Family is an integral part of human life. In a country like India where spirituality lives in air,
religion and beliefs are very sensitive issues. When India gained independence, the political
leadership and the framers of the constitution took note of the impeccable diversity of Indian
culture, and they deliberated on a framework that would provide for a unified but culturally
diverse nation, with harmonization of personal laws. The distinct personal laws that govern the
major religious groups are a major aspect of Indian multiculturalism and secularism, and support
specific gendered rights in family life. . The history of all matrimonial legislation will show that
at the outset conservative attitudes influenced the grounds on which separation or divorce could
be granted. Over the decades, a more liberal attitude has been adopted, fostered by recognition of
the need for the individual happiness of the adult parties directly involved. In Muslim
Community this liberal approach was from the very inset of the religious prologue. It
emphasized on individual freedom and provided for an honorable exit route to end painful
relationships through the introduction of TALAQ (or divorce). In a country like India where
Talaq is usually associated with an uncalled for social taboo, dissolution of marriage must be on
reasonable grounds and considering the socio-economic position of parties. This paper talks
about a peculiar customary practice of triple talaq where men enjoy unilateral right to pronounce
divorce to women without any chance of reconciliation or arbitration. All though there are clear
Quranic injunctions to the contrary, immediate triple divorce is permitted, destroying marital
life in one breath. The lives of Muslim women cannot be governed by archaic practices like
triple talaq. Muslim women should be governed by laws that treat them as equal citizens of
democratic India. Following case studies give us an insight of the misery and trauma which a
women faces when she is suddenly thrown to a world of socio- economic instability when her
husband pronounces unilateral, irrevocable Triple Talaq at his whims and fancies.
1
K Ayyanar vs P. Muniammal 2012-5-LW 30; Alop Bai v. Ramphal AIR 1962 MP 211
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Source & Validity of Triple Talaq
The practice of pronouncing unilateral irrevocable triple Talaq by Muslim husbands does not
keep up with the Qurans progressive spirit, neither with the magnanimous ideals of equality and
justice of the Indian Constitution. This practice is a particular confluence of Patriarchal
conservatism and ill-informed and shallow interpretation of religious text, that too to the
prejudice of women. When Talaq is said abruptly, then there is no possibility or scope for any
settlement, and any livelihood choices or options for women who, just are rendered alone and
single without any support system. It is a single right given to men, where men can decide,
choose and deliver at their own choice.
Quran gave rights to women 40,000 yrs ago. Spirit of Quran is about Justice and fairness (to all
including women). Yet the modernity of the Islamic jurisprudence falls prey to the stringent way
in which the rights of women are interpreted, though the interpretation may be opposed to logic
and principle.2
Quranic validity of this practice: What is contested herein is a practice of Triple Talaq which
evolved in 2nd century during the period of Ommayed kings. Triple Talaq or Talaq ul biddat
applies to Muslim men by pronouncing their intention 3 times. According to Islam that should
happen over a period of 3 months, giving both the Parties time to think through the
consequences. Quran bears the credit of being one of the first holy texts to consider individual
freedom above community perceptions. Marriage in Islam is a civil contact and through divorce
(Talaq) it offers an honorable exist route from relations which no more fetch happiness.
Dissolution of Muslim marriages could be through two ways
1. Judicial Method {under Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939}
2. Extra Judicial Method
2
FAIZ BADURDDIN TYABJI, MUHAMMADAN LAW, Introduction (3 rd ed 1940).
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Triple Talaq
Judicial Method provides for seven grounds on which, women Married under Muslim law shall
divorce their husbands which includes disappearance for 4 years, no maintenance for 2 years,
imprisonment of 7 years or more to husband, impotency, venerable diseases etc3
Extra Judicial Method: This method of dissolution of marriage derives its basis from Chapter
II,Verse 229 which states : Either retain them with humanity or dismiss them with kindness
The two kinds of Talaq recognized by Hanafi sect of Muslims are :
1. Talaq-us-Sunnat
2. Talaq-ul-Bida
Talaq-us-Sunnat
Talaq-e-Ahsan Talaq-e-Hasan
one single pronouncement of divorce in period of Pronouncement and revocation of divorce can be
Tuhr. Can be revoked within 3 months before done twice in life and the third pronouncement
completion of Iddat period makes the divorce irrevocable and thus is final.
3
Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939, Section 2
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Talaq ul Bida/ Talaq ul Biddat If a man repeats the word Talaq thrice this is supposed to be
Talaq ul Biddat and hence instantly dissolving the marriage leaving no room either for
revocation of divorce during iddat or for renewal of marriage ever after that. Very unfortunately
Muslim men in India are blissfully unaware of the true Islamic law on divorce and believe the so
called Talaq-ul-Bidat to be the only Islamic way of divorcing their wives. This is indeed a
devastating state of affairs playing havoc with Muslim women. Abul -Ala- Maududi an eminent
Muslim theologise of the subcontinent has lamented
Due to ignorance Muslims generally believe that divorce can be given only through triple
divorce formula, although it is an innovation and a sin leading to terrible consequences. If
people knew that triple divorce is unnecessary and even a single talaq would dissolve the
marriage leaving room for reconsideration, innumerable families could have been saved from
destruction.4
The true Islamic law is in conformity with the breakdown theory of divorce. The Quran did not
specify any matrimonial offences. The prophet of Islam laid down no bars to matrimonial relief.
The lawgiver of Islam did not want the matter to be taken to the court at all, unless it became
unavoidable for the wife due to the age old predominance of man.5 Unequivocally declaring
divorce to be abghad al- mubaahaat (most detestable of all legally permissible things).6 The
following verses in Quran which reflects the progressive spirit of the holy text.
Sura No.2. Aayat No. 227/228- If their intention is firm for divorce (give them). The divorced
women shall wait for three monthly periods concerning them. Their husbands have the better
right to take them back in that period, if they wish for reconciliation. The women shall have
rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable
Sura 4 Aayat no. 15- If you fear a break between them then appoint two Arbitrators, one from
his family and other from her family. If they seek to set things right, Allah will cause their
reconciliation.
4
ABUL ALA MAUDUDI HUQOOQ-UZ-JAUJAIN 9th ed 1964,pg 10
5
DR.TAHIR MAHMOOD, THE MUSLIM LAW OF INDIA 111-133 (2nd ed. 2012)
6
FURQUN AHEMAD, TRIPLE TALAQ: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY WITH EMPHASIS ON SOCIO-LEGAL
ASPECTS 10 ( 1995)
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Triple Talaq
In the case of Dagdu Chhotu Pathan v. Rahimbi Dagdu Pathan7, a full bench of Bombay High
court took the view that a Muslim can give Talaq:
(1) For reasonable cause/grounds8 , &
(2) He has to follow the provision of arbitration for reconciliation.9
In the case of Saleem Basha vs. Mumtaz Begam10 , it was, held that It is fallacy that a Muslim
male enjoys, under the Quranic law, unbridled authority to liquidate the marriage." Following
Quranic Aayats point towards the indomitable spirit it holds in respect to the dignity and grace of
women.
Sura 65 Aayat No. 1- If you divorce women, divorce them at their prescribed period and count
(accurately) their prescribed periods and fear Allah and turn them not out from their houses
nor shall they (themselves) leave, in case, they are guilty of some open lewdness. 11 Sura 65
Aayat No: 2- Thus when they fulfill their term appointed, either take them back on equitable
terms or part with them on equitable terms and take witness- two persons among you,
endued with justice and establish the evidence for the sake of Allah. Islamic personal laws are
evolving within themselves, thus issues like triple Talaq are debated within the community. 93%
Islamic countries have banned the use of oral and triple Talaq. Professor Tahir Mahmood after
observing that the Hanafi rule is recognising and giving effect to improper Talaq which is not a
part of the original Islamic law, has stated As this was never the intention of the jurists of the
past, a large number of Muslim countries have enacted laws
to outlaw all forms of Talaq-e-bidat.12" A report by Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, a member of the
National Commission for Women refers to Muslim women as the weakest link in the generally
7
Dagdu Chhotu Pathan v Rahimbi Dagdu Pathan, (2002) 3 Mah LJ, 602
8
Zeenat Fatema Rashid v. Md. Iqbal Anwar, 1993 (2) Crimes 853;Jiauddin ahmed v. Anwara Begum, (1981) 1
GLR 358;Asha Bibi v. Kadi Ibrahim, ILR 33 Mad 22; Ahmed Kasim Molla v. Khatun Bibi, ILR 59 Cal 833;
Sarabai v. Rabiabai, ILR 30 Bom. 537; Rukia Khatn v. Abdul Khalique, (1981) 1 GLR 375; SYED AMEER ALI,
MAHOMMEDAN LAW 572 (5th ed. )
9
A.S Parveen Aaktar v. U.O.I, 2003-1-LW (Crl) 115
10
Saleem Basha v. Mumtaz Begam , 1999(1)ALD(Cri)182; Ahmed Kasim Molla v. Khatun Bibi, ILR 59 Cal 833
11
Yousuf Rawther v. Sowramma, AIR 1971 Ker 261
12
DR. TAHIR MAHMOOD, MUSLIM LAW OF INDIA, (2013 ed.)
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Disempowered chain of Indian womanhood.13 In India we have arrived at this commonsense that
women in marriage have less rights then men. Article 25 and 26 of are equally meant for men
and women, whatever be the denomination.14
Article 13 is a key provision in the protection of fundamental rights, as it makes all laws, before
the existence of the constitution as well as new laws formulated by the Legislature, void insofar
as they violate any of the Fundamental rights guaranteed under Part III of the Constitution15 .
This provision makes the Courts the guardian and protectors of the Fundamental rights16. Article
13 has only one ground of unconstitutionality, namely the violation of any provision in Part III of
the Constitution. It however requires the particular law to fall within the definition given in
article 13(3) (a). Article 13 states that law includes any ordinance, order by-law, rule,
regulation, notification, custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law It
further states that law in force includes laws passed made by a legislature or other competent
authority in the territory of India before the commencement of this Constitution and not
previously repealed, notwithstanding that any such laws or any part therefore may not be then in
operation either at all or in particular area In State of Bombay v. Narasu Appa Mali17 , The
Court held that Personal Laws did not come within the ambit of law in Article 13(3)(a). This was
13
SYEDA SAIYIDAIN HAMEED, VOICE OF THE VOICELESS - STATUS OF MUSLIM WOMEN IN INDIA,
www.dkagencies.com, (2/10/2015 10:45), Mohammed Haneefa vs. Pathummal Beevi, 1972 KLT 512,
14
Sri Jiauddin Ahmed v. Mrs. Anwara Begum , (1981) 1 GLR 358.
15
State of West Bengal v. Committee for protection of Democratic Rights, West Bengal, AIR 2010 SC 1476 (1490).
16
Brij Mohan Lal v. Union of India, (2012) 6 SCC 502 (569).
17
AIR 1952 Bom 84.
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later affirmed in Madhu Kishwar and Ors. V. State of Bihar18 and Krishna Singh v. Mathura
Ahir19 , where the court upheld the same and further urged them to enforce the law from
recognized and authoritative sources of Hindu Law. Later in Maharishi Avdhesh v. Union of
India20, a challenge on the Muslim Women (Protection of Women on Divorce) Act, 1986 had
been denied stating that even codified personal law cannot be tested on the touchstone of
fundamental rights. In Ahmedabad Womens Action Group v. Union of India21 as well, the
court held that it cannot interfere with personal laws as they are a matter of state policy.
Courts in India have generally steered clear of adjudicating on matters relating to Personal Laws.
However, the reasoning given in the above mentioned cases have been fallacious. Justice Chagla
22
and Gajendragadkar J. in the Narasu appa Malli case laid emphasis on omission of the term
personal law in Art. 13 and restricted the interpretation of the phrase 'custom or usage' in Art. 13.
In the case of A.S Parveen Aaktar v. Union of India23, it was submitted -that the assumptions
and beliefs upon which such a form of divorce is recognised are factually false, scientifically
untenable and contrary to the spirit and provisions of the Constitution24 . Apart from fundamental
rights, various directives of the state policy such as
Article 44 which guarantees continuous endeavors by the state to achieve a uniform civil code;
Article 38 which promises that the state shall strive to secure social order and promote welfare
of people;
Article 39 which points to the principle of policy of the state to make progressive laws Article
39-A which guarantees equal justice to all are grossly led down as Indian Muslim women fell
prey to such unjust practices They hardly have any access to justice as law hides behind the
elevated wall of Article 25 and 26 which hardly considers women grievances subjugated to their
misinterpreted personal laws.
18
AIR 1996 SC 1864
19
(1981) 3 SCC 689
20
(1) SCC 713
21
(1997) 3 SCC 573
22
Supra note 17
23
2003-1-LW (Crl) 115; Bai Tahira v. Ali Hussain, (1979) 2 SCC 316
24
Supra note 21; Mst. Zohra Khatoon v. Mohd. Ibrahim , AIR 1981 SC 1243.
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As regards practice of religion, the courts have ruled in many cases that only those practices, of
whichever religion, as are its essential parts must be legally protected. In other words, protection
of non-essential religious practices would be the discretion of the state and cannot be claimed to
be protected as fundamental rights25. Destitution, vagrancy, trafficking of neglected women does
not vary with region, religion, caste or creed. The response to the basic right to life based on
religion, with which the issue of maintenance of woman is linked, is unconstitutional and
unethical.
III. Falling back to the progressive Islamic Jurisprudence of other Islamic countries
An article in Indian Express dated December 08, 2004 stated that National Commission for Women
is of the view that Muslim personal law in India is particularly backwards and creating awareness
about other Islamic societies would help fight the propaganda that the Shariat laws could not be
interpreted or changed26.
In Pakistan, "triple Talaq," or instantaneous verbal divorce, has been illegal since 1961. In countries
like Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, even a second marriage is banned. However, in countries like
Iran, Iraq, Syria and Bangladesh, second marriages are discouraged through a strict legal and
administrative mechanism. [In India, polygamy is still legal under Muslim personal law. -AS]
Turkey and Iran, both husband and wife enjoy equal rights for seeking divorce. Turkey,
Indonesia, Iraq, Iran and Bangladesh have legally banned one-sided divorces, which gave men
arbitrary powers to break marriages, while countries like Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Tunisia, Morocco,
Pakistan and Bangladesh had banned the practice of triple Talaq long ago.
25
Ratilal Panachand Gandhi v State of Bombay AIR 1954 SC 388;Saifuddin v State of Bombay AIR 1962 SC 853;
Seshammal v State of Tamil Nadu AIR1972 SC 1586
26
AMARDEEP SINGH UPDATE ON TRIPLE TALAQ, www.lehigh.edu (visited on 20 th September 2015)
http://www.lehigh.edu/~amsp/2004/12/update-on-triple-Talaq.html
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Current Concerns
The National Commission of Women27 (NCW) has held that triple talaq was a highly
misused custom and Government should scrap it to protect the rights of Muslim women. NCW
clearly mentioned that the traditional custom of triple talaq should be banned in an effort to
protect the rights of Muslim women and it cannot be linked to the Uniform Civil Code.
According to the commission, a Muslim woman feels disempowered because of the practice of
triple talaq.
29
[(1997) 3 SCC 573.]
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Case laws
30
2003-1-LW (Crl) 115
31
(2002) 3 Mah LJ, 602
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Held: The court held that the Quran states that husband could only divorce his wife for
reasonable causes; that Talaq even if it is oral must be proved before the court if it is contested
by wife by leading evidences.
32
AIR 2006 SC 667
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Conclusion
Considering the facts that triple talaq is un-Islamic, negated by highly regarded Islamic scholars,
that such a practice has been invalidated in many Muslim-majority nations and that it blatantly
violates provisions of Constitution of India, the practice of triple talaq must be pronounced as
unconstitutional. The rights of more than 170 million Muslim women of India are at stake. Triple
talaq is an inhuman practice that violates rights and dignity of women. The Constitution of India
under Article 25 confers Right to freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and
propagation of religion. The protection under Articles 25 and 26 extend guarantee to rituals,
observances, ceremonies, modes of worship etc. which are integral to the religion. But for such
practices to be considered as a part of the religion, it is necessary that such practices be regarded
by the said religion as essential and integral parts suffice it to say, Triple talaq at the same
instance is not an essential practice of Islam and hence must be done away with as much haste as
possible.
Thus we come at a point where we realize that gross injustice has been done to a section of humanity
which has more often than not paid obedience to the religious texts to which she was bound, had
always remained silent even when world has thrown her to the mercy of destiny, with no livelihood
choices, effective maintenance schemes and continuously pestered her to be an acquired personality
under the unquestioning regime of men. We have moved away from the clutches of orthodoxy and
fanaticism, this era is an era of empowerment, literacy and freedom, then why not give women her
due. Triple Talaq is a customary practice which has evolved through shallow interpretation of a great
text like Quran. Triple Talaq is a weapon of victimisation of women in the hands of Muslim men.
Triple Talaq destroys a woman emotionally, socially and economically. Despite the fact, Islam is the
first religion that recognised and legitimised the indivisibility of individuality of a woman. Triple
Talaq symbolises the subordination, subjugation and suppression of human rights of women, which
have already been made available to them by the Holy Quran. Moreover, Islam treated rights of
women as human rights. Triple Talaq is a recognised form of divorce in the contemporary legal
regime in India or Muslim Law as administered in many Muslim countries. Time now is to move
forward in our endeavors to form a real welfare state where the 1 st three words of our Constitution
We the People finally have some real meaning. The hegemony of personal laws should not
supersede the promises guaranteed by our Constitution.
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In promotion of Uniform Civil Code, one of the cherished dreams of B.R.Ambedkar, he said:-I
personally do not understand why religion should be given this vast expansive jurisdiction so as to
cover the whole of the life and to cover the legislature from encroaching upon them. After all what
are we having this Liberty for? We are having this liberty in order to reform our social system. We
are having this Liberty to bring about a cessation in the inequalities, discriminations and other
things which conflict with our fundamental rights.
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Bibliography
Legislations
The Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act, 1939
Cases
A.S Parveen Aaktar v. Union of India 2003-1-LW (Crl) 115
Ahmed Kasim Molla v. Khatun Bibi, ILR 59 Cal 833
Ahmedabad Women Action Group (AWAG) & Ors. v. Union of India, AIR 1997 SC
3614;
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Asha Bibi v. Kadi Ibrahim, ILR 33 Mad 22
Bai Tahira v. Ali Hussain, (1979) 2 SCC 316
Brij Mohan Lal v. Union of India, (2012) 6 SCC 502 (569).
Dagdu Chhotu Pathan v Rahimbi Dagdu Pathan, (2002) 3 Mah LJ, 602
Jiauddin ahmed v. Anwara Begum, (1981) 1 GLR 358
Krishna Singh v. Mathura Ahir, (1981) 3 SCC 689
Madhu Kishwar and Ors. v. State of Bihar,AIR 1996 SC 1864
Maharishi Avdhesh v. Union of India,1994 Supp (1) SCC 713
Mohammed Haneefa vs. Pathummal Beevi, 1972 KLT 512,
Mst. Zohra Khatoon v. Mohd. Ibrahim , AIR 1981 SC 1243.
Nagma Bibi VS State of Orissa.
Ratilal Panachand Gandhi v State of Bombay AIR 1954 SC 388;
Rukia Khatn v. Abdul Khalique, (1981) 1 GLR 375
Saifuddin v State of Bombay AIR 1962 SC 853;
Saleem Basha v. Mumtaz Begam , 1999(1)ALD(Cri)182
Sarabai v. Rabiabai, ILR 30 Bom. 537
Seshammal v State of Tamil Nadu AIR1972 SC 1586
Sri Jiauddin Ahmed v. Mrs. Anwara Begum , (1981) 1 GLR 358.
State of Bombay v. Narasu Appa Mali, AIR 1952 Bom 84.
State of West Bengal v. Committee for protection of Democratic Rights, West Bengal,
AIR 2010 SC 1476 (1490).
Yousuf Rawther v. Sowramma, AIR 1971 Ker 261
Zeenat Fatema Rashid v. Md. Iqbal Anwar, 1993 (2) Crimes 853
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