‘Why no such action against Hindu men?’

New Delhi: With the government taking the ordinance route to make ‘instant triple talaq’ a penal offence, Opposition parties and women activists on Wednesday wondered why no similar provisions are made for Hindu men deserting their wives.

Some said the ordinance ignored problems it could pose to Muslim women and there was a need for a comprehensive law. The Congress said what needed to be done after the Supreme Court quashed this practice was to provide justice to abandoned Muslim women. Jailing the husband might not serve the purpose.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the ordinance was “anti Muslim women” and would do them more injustice. He said marriage was a civil contract in Islam and bringing penal provisions was “wrong and unnecessary.” He hoped the Muslim Personal Law Board will challenge it in court.

Several women activists alleged that the “politicised move” was taken without considering the complications it could pose to Muslim women. Kavita Krishnan, activist and Secretary of the All-India Progressive Women’s Association, said triple talaq was not an official divorce. “It is a form of abandonment. Does a Hindu man get imprisoned for abandoning his wife?” Ms. Krishnan said.

Annie Raja, general secretary of National Federation of Indian Women, said she doubted the government’s “intention and sincerity.”

All India Democratic Women’s Association general secretary Mariam Dhawale said the move would create problems for Muslim women without providing clarity on issues like property rights.