Passing of triple talaq bill a historic day for country:Guj CM

BJP leaders in Gujarat on Tuesday hailed the passing of triple talaq bill in Rajya Sabha with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani terming the development as a "historic day" for the country.

In a major success for the Modi government, Parliament has approved a bill that makes instant triple talaq among Muslims a criminal offence.

"Historic Day for Nation. #TripleTalaq Bill is a Giant step that will truly ensure gender equality & empowerment of women. Congratulations to Honourable Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Ji & all the Members of Parliament," Rupani said in a tweet.

State BJP Youth Morcha president Rutvij Patel termed the passage of the bill as a "moment of pride".

"Today is a historic day for our country, since #TripleTalaqBill was passed. Thanking PM Shri @narendramodi ji & HM Shri @AmitShah ji for bringing security & safety & giving due respect to muslim women. Moment of Pride!" he said.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill was passed by 99 votes in favour and 84 against, as the ruling NDA, which lacks majority in the Upper House, was also helped by the absence of some members of the opposition Congress, SP and BSP as well as six members of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and two MPs of YSR-Congress.

Lok Sabha had passed the Bill last week and once granted assent by the President, the practice of Muslim men instantly divorcing their wives by uttering 'talaq' thrice will become a criminal offence, punishable by jail term of up to three years.