Amid uproar and walkouts by the opposition parties, the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, popularly known as Triple Talaq Bill, by 99-84 votes. With Parliament approving the contentious bill, the practice of instant triple talaq by Muslim men will now be a criminal offence, with jail term of up to three years. Last week, the bill cleared the Lok Sabha hurdle with 303 ayes and 82 noes.
The Upper House passed the bill minutes after it rejected an opposition sponsored motion, seeking to send the bill to a Rajya Sabha Select Committee for further scrutiny, with 100 votes against it as compared to 84 in favour. Once granted assent by the President, the bill will replace an ordinance promulgated last on February 21 to the same effect as the bill.
READ | Motion to send Triple Talaq Bill to Select Committee defeated by 100-84 votes in Rajya Sabha
Interestingly, the proposed legislation in Rajya Sabha was supported by non-aligned BJD while NDA constituents like JDU and AIADMK walked out of the House during a four-and-half-hour debate on the bill, a move that lowered the majority mark which normally stands at 121.
The ruling NDA has 107 members in the 242-member Rajya Sabha. The NDA was also helped by the absence of some members of SP and BSP as well as those of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and YSR-Congress.
The Triple Talaq bill could not make it through the Upper House earlier this year during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, although it was passed by Lok Sabha.
READ | Shiv Sena MP compares PM Modi with Lord Krishna for bringing Triple Talaq Bill
The Bill was again passed by the Lok Sabha last week amid a walkout by several opposition parties including the Congress and the Trinamool Congress. The opposition parties say in its current form, the proposed law could be misused to harass Muslims and wanted it to be reviewed by a parliamentary committee.
Meanwhile, social media has been flooded with reactions of political leaders from across party lines with some of them welcoming the move and others opposing the same. Here is how Twitterati reacted on the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
An archaic and medieval practice has finally been confined to the dustbin of history! Parliament abolishes Triple Talaq and corrects a historical wrong done to Muslim women. This is a victory of gender justice and will further equality in society. India rejoices today!
Union Minister Amit Shah:
Today is a great day for India’s democracy. I congratulate PM Narendra Modi ji for fulfilling his commitment and ensuring a law to ban Triple Talaq, which will free Muslim women from the curse of this regressive practice. I thank all parties who supported this historic bill.
President Ram Nath Kovind:
Passage in the Rajya Sabha of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill completes Parliament's approval of ban on the inequitable practice of triple talaq. A milestone in the quest for gender justice; a moment of satisfaction for the entire country.
READ | Triple Talaq Bill passed by Parliament: What does it mean?
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi:
Passage of "The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019" is a glorious day for constitution, democracy and parliamentary history of the country.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad:
A historic day when the Rajya Sabha passed the Triple Talaq Bill, earlier passed by Lok Sabha. Govt of PM Narendra Modi has fulfilled its commitment by giving justice to Muslim women. No more Talaq-Talaq-Talaq!
BJP National Working President JP Nadda:
Heartiest greetings to PM Narendra Modi and all Rajya Sabha MPs for passing Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 in the Rajya Sabha and freeing Muslim women off the curse of triple talaq.
READ | India rejoices, medieval practice confined to dustbin of history: PM Modi tweets on Triple Talaq Bill
Former cricketer and BJP leader Gautam Gambhir:
A red letter day in India's history as the Triple Talaq Bill is passed in the Rajya Sabha, making it a criminal offense. A huge victory for all my Muslim sisters who suffered under this archaic law. No more! I congratulate Narendra Modi Amit Shah and Ravi Shankar Prasad on this triumph.
BJP Mumbai North Central MP Poonam Mahajan:
With the Triple Talaq Bill passed in Rajya Sabha, we are one step closer to greater rights for women in India. Hearty congratulations to all and grateful to Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Law Minister Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad ji for bringing in this law.
Cricketer Mohammad Kaif:
A very welcome and much needed step.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi:
Triple Talaq Bill should be seen only as one part of many attacks on Muslim identity and citizenship since 2014. Mob violence, police atrocities and mass incarceration won't bog us down. With a firm belief in the Constitution, we've withstood oppression, injustices and denial of rights.
READ | Triple Talaq Bill: Mehbooba Mufti questions Modi govt, Omar Abdullah says ask PDP MPs
National Conference chief Omar Abdullah:
The floor management of the BJP/NDA in the Rajya Sabha is quite something. So much for the treasury side not having the numbers in the upper house! I’d be amazed if there is a single piece of legislation the Government will struggle with in the Rajya Sabha.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti:
Fail to understand the need to pass the triple talaq bill especially since the Supreme Court had already declared it illegal. Undue interference seemingly to punish Muslims. Given the current state of the economy, should this really have been a priority?
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis:
Historic Day, Historic occasion for Nation! Our sisters get justice as Rajya Sabha passes Triple Talaq Bill today. Congratulations India, Thank you Hon PM Narendra Modi ji and all Members of Parliament. I also congratulate every individual who raised voice for Triple Talaq Se Azaadi!
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