Shabana Azmi

The fight against triple talaq has been waged by very brave Muslim women such as Bhartiya Muslim Mahila Andolan members. They have brought the issue centre stage. So when, in 2016, Shayara Bano petitioned the Supreme Court to challenge the constitutionality of the practices of triple talaq, nikah halala and polygamy, several women’s groups emerged from the community such as Awaaz-e-Niswaan, Sahiyar, Muslim Mahila Manch, Pehchan, Muhim, Parvaaz Sangathan, and, more recently, Bebaak Collective. They joined forces and articulated a new radical politics, at one with prog ressive and feminist groups.

It was a demonstration of the support system created by the women’s movement over the past three decades. The Supreme Court’s judgement against instant triple talaq is a welcome measure. Triple talaq in one go does not have religious sanction and is patently unjust and anti-women.

More than 20 Muslim countries have banned it and it has no place in a secular India.