Bengaluru: After Woman Allegedly Issued Triple Talaq Over WhatsApp, Maneka Gandhi Steps In

Exposing the fallacy of triple talaq bill, that was passed in Lok Sabha at the Parliment two days ago this month, a woman from Bengaluru was allegedly issued triple talaq by her US-based husband over a WhatsApp message. However, Minister of women and Child development have assured the woman to assist her in the ordeal, reported The Times of India.

What had happened?

This is the first incident that has come to light after the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 28. Woman’s husband allegedly issued her triple talaq through WhatsApp texts and audio, after 15 years of marriage. According to News 18, the woman married her husband, who is a surgeon by profession in 2003. However, the trouble in her marriage started to crop up, when the victim was sent to Bengaluru after her brief period of stay in the UK and the US.

Her husband left for the US leaving her behind in silicon city by taking all her documents. As per the victim, her husband had assured that they would solve the matters in front of their families. “Once we reached, he left with his family, while I was stranded at the airport. He had taken away my passport, academic certificates and other identity cards. On December 4, a day after I filed the police complaint, he sent me talaq on WhatsApp,” said the woman who was trying to contact her husband constantly.

The woman had lodged a complaint in the police station stating that her husband abused her emotionally and insulted her and had asked her to leave him without providing any legal notice.
As per NDTV, ANI reported the victim as saying, “He left me at my parents’ place, went back to the USA, and divorced me through a message. I am not able to meet my kids also.” Further, the Bengaluru woman sought aid from the External Ministry of affairs Sushma Swaraj and Minister of woman and child development Menaka Gandhi.

The centre intervenes

Sensing the sensitiveness of the matter, Maneka Gandhi, the Minister of Woman and Child Development, reached out to support the victim by requesting the details of the case. Reportedly, she further tweeted that, her team would prioritise the case, as it is one of the first incidents after criminalising the act of instant divorce in the Muslim community that they will be dealing with and she also ensured justice to the victim.

My ministry @MinistryWCD has taken up case of #TripleTalaq on absolute priority. The first instance post the passing of the bill, criminalising the act of instant divorce in the Muslim community will be dealt with and we shall ensure that justice is done.https://t.co/jiyuAi36kf

— Maneka Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) December 29, 2018

She further wrote, “We have reached out to the brother of the woman and have requested for all details at [email protected] She has been assured all assistance.

We stand in complete solidarity with our Sisters of the Muslim community. @MinistryWCD consistently endeavors to socially and legally empower Muslim women and has always taken a strong stand in support of them.

— Maneka Gandhi (@Manekagandhibjp) December 29, 2018

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha failed to arrive at a united conclusion on December 31 as the opposition front, led by the Congress demanded the draft law to be sent to a select committee for review. The House adjourned for the day after it failed to strike a consensus.

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