After a heck of debates, discussions and opposition, the triple talaq bill has been finally converted to a law. The gazette notification was published on Wednesday. As per the new law – The Muslim Women (Protection of rights on marriage) Act, 2019, usage of ‘talaq-e-biddat’ or any other term that makes the instant and irrevocable effect on the constitution of marriage by a Muslim husband is null and void. It is totally illegal to use it and the police has been assigned the full authority to arrest the offenders without any prior notice or warrant.

It is criminalised and the offender is liable for imprisonment for a term which may be extended to three years and shall be liable to fine. The new law makes it illegal to say talaq three times in spoken, written through SMS or Whatsapp or any other electronic chat in a single sitting.

“Any pronouncement of talaq by a Muslim husband upon his wife, by words, either spoken or written or in electronic form or in any other manner whatsoever, shall be void and illegal,” says the law.

Further to avoid any misuse of the law and know the nature of the offence, the bill declares talaq-e-biddat only if the complaint is filed by the aggrieved woman or any of her relation by blood or marriage. A magistrate can grant bail only after hearing the aggrieved woman. She is entitled to demand a maintenance for her and her dependent children under the Act.