How is Triple Talaq bill about gender equality, but not Sabarimala verdict?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently commented on the Triple Talaq bill which was presented in the upper house of the Parliament yesterday.

PM Modi compared the bill with the SC’s Sabarimala verdict, saying that the former is a social issue and presents a solution for gender discrimination while the latter was wrongly presented as a matter of gender inequality.

The rules and regulations of Sabarimala temple are not discriminating women but following a centuries-long tradition. The tradition of Sabarimala temple does not challenge the rights of women, as there are many temples in India which prohibit the entrance of men as per the history of those temples. Henceforth, people are not entirely wrong when they say that the Supreme Court should not interfere in the matters of traditions and religions.

Now, one may argue, that same could be true with the Triple Talaq bill, as it is Islam, which gives men the permission of ending his marriage just by uttering the word “Talaq” (divorce) thrice. But this allowance does not have any concrete ground and is even banned in many Islamic countries such as Pakistan.

This practice of Triple Talaq has no counterpart in any religion or tradition and hence, it points directly towards the discrimination of women by their husbands.

I agree with PM Modi when he says:

"Most Islamic countries have banned Triple Talaq. So it is not a matter of religion or faith. Even in Pakistan, Triple Talaq is banned. So it is an issue of gender equality, matter of social justice. It is not an issue of faith. So keep the two separate”. (Source: NDTV)