Here’s a fact: the offense of Triple Talaq REMAINS unbailable under the proposed law. The ‘Non-Bailable Law’ states that a person cannot be granted bail at the police station itself. The amended ‘Muslim Women Protection of Rights on Marriage Bill’ that seeks to punish Indian men guilty of triple talaq with 3-years imprisonment STILL fulfill the said term of the ‘Non-Bailable Law’.

(Courtesy- Muslim Mirror)

What has now changed is the fact that the accused can seek bail – NOT in the police station but – from the magistrate. And the magistrate CANNOT grant that person any bail WITHOUT first hearing the victim. And the grant for bail will be decided by the magistrate (provided he agrees) only after the accused agrees to pay the victim a compensation.

So, if we’re questioning this move, calling it a loophole, we’re actually questioning the judiciary.

The government made two other amendments in the Triple Talaq bill. One, FIR against the accused can be lodged only by the victim and her relatives. And second, the women can seek custom of her minor children from the magistrate.

Triple Talaq bill remains solid – as it should be, given the atrocious act on the husband’s part. Its framework continues to ensure that the victims’ rights are protected and the guilty is punished. (In my personal opinion, I think the sentence should have been increased to 7 years and the culprits should have been forced for a vasectomy. But, of course, that’s too political and “anti-minority”)

(Courtesy- India Today)

The 3 amendments in the Triple Talaq bill was necessary—to protect the goodwill of men from the farcical cases, AND to pass the bill without any objection from the oppositions who have been calling for such changes for long.

The government hasn’t water-washed the Triple Talaq bill as the news channels and websites are sensationally claiming. Stop reading too much into the headlines. This reformation to safeguard Indian Muslim women is historic, and it should certainly pave way for us to help women across religions, castes, and classes.

Triple talaq remains a non-bailable crime. Understand the underlying changes, and the role a magistrate will play here. Don’t play into the hands of political classes and their media houses. Please.