DCW plans research to give proposals on 'triple talaq'

The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) has undertaken a research study on the issue of unilateral triple talaq, also known as Talaq ul biddat, presently being discussed in the context of women's rights due to an upcoming case in the Supreme Court of Shayara Bano versus Union of India and others challenging this practice along with that of Nikkah Halala and Polygamy.

The DCW Act, 1994, under Sec.10 (i) (a,b,c) mandates the DCW to investigate and examine all matters relating to safeguards provided for women under the Constitution and give recommendations for the effective implementation of those safeguards for improving the conditions of women in the capital.

The DCW is of the opinion that the issues raised in the Shayara Bano case is of pertinence to the lives of Muslim women in India.

The DCW would be exercising its mandate and giving recommendations in this regard.

The DCW, which wishes to formulate its recommendations through a consultative and evidence-based process, is undertaking some steps in this regard.

It is holding consultation sessions with experts in Sharia and Islamic jurisprudence as well as with legal experts.

The DCW is seeking a copy of all the laws pertaining to unilateral triple talaq, marriage, divorce and polygamy in existence in the Islamic nations across the world as well as in nations with a significant Islamic population in order to study these laws in-depth and understand the existing best practices on the issue across the globe.

The Commission is formulating a research project to understand the existing condition of Muslim women in Delhi with respect to this issue.

It is also planning to hold a public consultation on this issue.

The DCW has called for recommendations and suggestions from the people.