SC seeks response from Centre on pleas challenging triple talaq law

The Supreme Court on Friday sought a response from the Centre on a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, which criminalises triple talaq and provides for a jail term up to three years for the husband.

A bench headed by Justice N V Ramana issued notice to the government on separate petitions filed by politician and Islamic scholar Amir Rashadi Madni and two organisations -- Samastha Kerala Jamaithul Ulema and Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind.

The petitioners sought an interim stay on the law, which came into force on August 1 after receiving the presidential assent.

Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema, a Kerala-based organisation of the Sunni Muslim scholars and clerics, in its petitions has submitted that the Act is violative of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

It has contended that the law could create "grave public mischief and may lead to polarisation and disharmony in society".