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SC judgment on talaq welcomed in coastal Karnataka too


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Aug 23, 2017: Local authour and activist, Sara Aboobacker — whose 1984 novel Chandragiriya Teeradalli (translated into English as ‘Breaking Ties’) centred around a victim of instant triple talaq — welcomed the decision. The Kannada writer has constantly fought regressive practices in the Muslim community.


talaq 2This prominent women activists from the Muslim community have welcomed the Supreme Court setting aside talaq-e-biddat, or instant talaq, as a “manifestly arbitrary” practice, which is not protected by the Constitution.


“This is what I have been fighting for for over 30 years. I could only write, but some women of the community mustered the courage to take the issue to the Supreme Court,” the Sahitya Akademi recipient said.

She recalled that it was the plight of a relative, who had been divorced four days after her marriage through triple talaq, that compelled her to write the novel.

Reservation still lurk : Noted writer and advocate Banu Mushtaq also welcomed the verdict calling it “historic”. She said it upheld the spirit of Islam stating that triple talaq had no approval of either the Quran or Prophet Mohammed.  Writer Mushtaq has written many articles upholding the rights of women and fought for women’s welfare as an advocate as well.

However, the writer expressed apprehensions about the latter part of the judgment, which suggested Parliament enact a law.

“I am worried about the new law with the present dispensation at the Centre. If the new law is framed to suit their hidden political agenda, the women would lose the sense of security they have been provided with the SC ruling. Hence, I hope Parliament passes a law in the interests of women.”

BJP welcomes verdict: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the apex court’s directive should be implemented by taking the Muslim community into confidence, especially women.   Bharatiya Janata Party State president B.S. Yeddyurappa maintained that the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre had taken a pro-active step by undertaking a wide debate on the issue. The BJP, led by its minority morcha, held celebrations at its State offices.