Triple Talaq To Top Muslim Personal Law Board Meeting Talks

The proposed legislation on triple talaq and Babri Masjid will be among the key issues to be discussed at the general body meeting of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) scheduled to be held here in February.

The three-day meeting will be crucial in the wake of the recent developments on Babri Masjid issue and the proposed move by the Central government to make triple talaq a cognizable offence.

The apex body of Indian Muslims is expected to take key decisions, especially on triple talaq.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 is expected to be tabled during Parliament's winter session starting Friday. The bill reportedly provides for three year sentence for a husband pronouncing 'talaq' thrice in one sitting and will give women the right to seek maintenance.

If the bill is passed in the winter session and enacted by February, the board will chalk out an action plan to oppose the legislation, sources said. The board members have opposed the proposed legislation, saying this will lead to an increase in cases of husbands abandoning their wives.

At a meeting held here on Tuesday to discuss arrangements for the AIMBPLB conclave, AIMPLB Secretary Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani voiced concern over what he called attempts to interfere in 'Shariat'.

Referring to the proposed law on triple talaq, the religious scholar said it would lead to more complications. He wondered how a man jailed for three years can provide maintenance to his wife and children.

He said Muslim Personal Law had been under implementation since the British rule in the country. It was in 1937 that Shariat Application Act was made and the Constitution of India gave the right to all citizens to profess, practice and propagate their religion.

Rahmani said some forces which had no respect for fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution were trying to enforce the directive principles, which were not obligatory.

The meeting will also review the status of Babri Masjid case, which is set to come up for hearing in the Supreme Court on February 8. The board will also discuss the issue in the light of the statements by some VHP and RSS leaders that the construction of Ram temple will begin in October 2018.

Sources said the board is expected to reiterate its stand that there can be no compromise on Babri Masjid as surrendering this mosque would open Pandora's box and there will be similar demands in different parts of the country. Rahmani pointed out that some communal groups had prepared a list to target 3,000 mosques.

The board meeting is expected to be held on February 9-11. The final dates will be announced soon. The conclave will end with a massive public meeting.

Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) president Asaduddin Owaisi, who is chairman of reception committee, called for making the general body meeting a success. The MP, who is also a member of the board, presided over Tuesday's meeting, which discussed the arrangements.

IANS