Petitioner Shayara Bano calls triple talaq verdict 'historic'

Triple talaq petitioner Shayara Bano on Tuesday said that the historical decision by the Supreme Court to strike down triple talaq was a welcome move, and that it is a happy moment for all Muslim women in India.

"This is a historic day in India," she told ANI.

"A lot of people agree and disagree. In the Muslim society, they do not want to bring any law. The Supreme Court judges must have understood all the issues and after that they took this historic decision," Bano said.

Bano further said that the decision will improve the condition of women in India.

"I would just request the political diplomats to not make it a political agenda, and ask them to understand the situation of Indian women, and this judgment should be accepted and a law be made," Bano said.

Shayara Bano also said that 'evil' practice should not continue any more, and added that earlier these laws might have been established on the condition of the women but things have changed.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court struck down the practice of Triple Talaq as 'unconstitutional' by a 3:2 majority.

The five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) J.S. Khehar, deciding on the verdict, was seemingly split on the legality of the practice.

Justice Nariman, Justice Lalit and Justice Kurien opposed the view of Justice Nazir and Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar and dubbed the practice of Triple Talaq as unconstitutional and unislamic.

The Supreme Court further asked the Union Government to formulate a new legislation within six months.

The apex court reportedly referred to the abolition of triple talaq in the Islamic countries and asked "why can't independent India get rid of it."

The decision came soon after the apex court resumed the hearing on the matter on Tuesday morning.

CJI Khehar, while pronouncing the judgement, however, upheld the practice and said, "Talaq-e-biddat is not violative of articles 14, 15, 21 and 25 of the Constitution."

The CJI, further using his power under Article 142, directed the Union of India to form a proper legislature regarding 'talaq-e-iddat.'

CJI Khehar said that all parties must decide keeping politics aside.

The constitution bench had reserved its verdict on May 18 after a six-day marathon hearing.