Supreme Court to begin hearing of plea challenging triple talaq on Thursday; CJI Khehar to head constitutional bench

The Supreme Court on Friday begin hearing of plea against triple talaq. Chief Justice of India JS Khehar will head five-member constitutional bench to hear seven pleas on the matter.

Out of seven pleas against triple talaq, five have been files by Muslim women and it states that the custom of triple talaq is unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court had asked for views from different parties in last hearing and said that the apex court will decide on the questions on which hearing will be held in the matter.

The constitutional bench comprise of members from different communities including Sikh, Parsi, Hindu and Muslim. The other members include Justice Kurien Joseph, Justice RF Nariman, Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice Abdul Nazir.

Earlier, the apex court had on March 30 observed that practices of ‘triple talaq’, ‘nikah halala’ and polygamy among Muslims were important issues involving “sentiments” and a Constitution bench would hear the pleas challenging these from May 11.

The Centre had told apex court that the practices of ‘triple talaq’, ‘nikah halala’ and polygamy impact the social status and dignity of Muslim women and deny them fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

In a fresh written submission filed before the apex court, the government had reiterated its earlier stand and said these practices render Muslim women “unequal and vulnerable” as compared to men of their community as well as women belonging to other communities.

Also read: Practice of triple talaq, polygamy impacts dignity of Muslim women: Centre to SC