Triple talaq, polygamy not sanctioned by Islam, Centre tells Supreme Court

Urging the top court to declare these practises unconstitutional, the Centre asserted that they affected the fundamental right of Muslim women to live in dignity and without any security unlike women of other religions in the country.

According to reports, the arguments are part of Centre’s written submissions that would be taken up by a five-judge constitution bench during the ensuing summer vacation. The bench will determine the validity of the practises.

The statement comes a day after Salma Ansari, wife of Vice-President Hamid Ansari, said uttering ‘talaq’ thrice did not amount to divorce and asked Muslim women to read the Quran themselves instead of relying on clerics.

Refuting the contentions put forth by Islamic organisations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, the Centre said the constitutional protection of freedom of religion guaranteed under Article 25 was not absolute to the community in this regard because the regressive practices violated one’s right equality, life and liberty.