Hyderabad, 20th May 2024 :In a recent incident in Telangana, a man was arrested for pronouncing ‘triple talaq’ on his wife via a WhatsApp audio message. This case, which took place in the town of Kothagudem, has brought to light ongoing issues related to the enforcement of the law prohibiting instant triple talaq.
Shaik Jameel, the accused, from Bollurugudem in Paloncha mandal, allegedly pronounced ‘talaq’ three times in a WhatsApp audio message directed at his wife, with whom he had been having disputes. The woman had been living at her maternal home for several months due to these conflicts. Despite initially filing a complaint with the local police, no action was taken, prompting her to seek assistance from the National Minority Commission. The commission took cognizance of the matter and directed the local police to register a case against Jameel.
Subsequently, the police booked Jameel under Section 4 of The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. This act, enacted in 2019, criminalizes the practice of instant triple talaq, making it a punishable offense when pronounced in any form—whether spoken, written, or electronic. The law aims to protect the rights of Muslim women and ensure their well-being by eliminating the practice of instant triple talaq.
Women’s rights activists have expressed concern over the initial inaction by the local police and have criticized those who facilitated the pronouncement, including the witnesses and the advocate who sent the legal notice. They have emphasized the importance of public education about the legal invalidity of instant triple talaq and the need for authorities to address such practices promptly.
This case underscores the necessity for greater awareness and strict enforcement of the law to protect the rights of women and prevent such incidents from recurring. It also highlights the critical role of institutions like the National Minority Commission in ensuring justice is served when local authorities fail to act.
