Cabinet approves Triple Talaq Bill amendments

The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved amendments in the much-debated Triple Talaq Bill by including the provision of bail from a magistrate for the offence.

However, the offence still remains non-bailable.

While briefing the media, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad clarified that the Cabinet has proposed three amendments.

First, if the husband gives triple talaq instantaneously and breaks marriage then FIR shall only become cognizable when it is filed by the victim or blood relation or relation by marriage.

Second, it has been made compoundable - if the wife and the husband desire to settle their differences then the magistrate can compound the offence on appropriate terms and conditions.

Third and finally, magistrate can grant bail after hearing the wife.

Triple talaq, or verbal divorce, is practiced by a section in the Muslim community to instantly divorce their wives by uttering 'talaq' three times.

As per the directions of the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government tabled The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 in the Lok Sabha. It was passed in the lower house on December 28, 2017.