New Delhi: A Bill to make instant triple talaq illegal and void and awarding a jail term of three years for the husband, was introduced in the Lok Sabha this morning.

Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, calling it a “historic day” amid opposition to its introduction by members of different parties, including RJD, AIMIM, BJD and All India Muslim League.

The law is about justice and respect for women and is not about any religion or community. The practice of instant triple talaq has continued despite the Supreme Court order terming it void, he said. Parliament has to decide whether the victims of triple talaq have fundamental rights or not, he said after some opposition members claimed  it violated the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.

The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or ‘talaq-e-biddat’ and give power to the victim to approach a magistrate seeking “subsistence allowance” for herself and minor children.