Triple Talaq Verdict: PM Modi, Shah, Swamy, Congress, Rajdeep, Barkha and Others – Who said What?

In an iconic judgement, Supreme Court declared the controversial triple talaq practice unconstitutional. The verdict was passed by 3-2 Majority of a 5 Judge bench consisting of judges from different faiths, including current CJI JS Khehar.

Justices Kurian Joseph and Rohinton Fali Nariman gave separate judgments against the validity of instant talaq. Justice U.U. Lalit supported Justice Nariman’s judgment. This makes the triumvirate of the majority of three judges who ruled against instant talaq.Chief Justice J.S. Khehar ruled in favor Triple Talaq stating that talaq-e-biddat is an integral part of Article 25 (freedom of religion) and it has been followed for over 1,400 years by the Hanafis and has become a part of religious pratice. This view was endorsed only by Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, thus, it was rendered a minority judgment. (Reproduced Verbatim from an article in The Hindu)

Here is how different leaders and parties reacted to the landmark Triple Talaq judgement.

PM Modi called the verdict historic. He said that this judgment grants parity and respect to Muslim Women.

BJP National President Amit Shah said that this judgement has given respect and a sense of self-respect to millions of Muslim Women in the country. We would like to thank the Government and the Prime Minister on the Party’s behalf. This judgement will usher in a new era. Triple Talaq doesn’t hold legal validity in most Muslim countries. This is not a matter of Victory or loss but a matter of pride and respect of Muslim Women. BJP sees this judgement as a manifestation of new resurgent India.” Amit Shah further added.

Congress Said that Triple Talaq is against the tenets of Islam. Party Spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala said that the Congress Party welcomes the Supreme Court’s Judgement. We believe that all parties will be happy about the verdict. Triple Talaq is neither mentioned in Quran, nor in Hadis” He further added.

BJP Leader Subramanian Swamy said that the Supreme Court has delivered justice today and it is a welcome step towards empowering the women of the nation. “I congratulate the Advocates and Groups who fought for Women Rights. Now the Government should enforce common civil code as well” Dr. Swamy Further added.

BJP Leader and Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Gandhi hailed the verdict and called it a step towards justice and parity.

The Journalist Fraternity were a divided bunch. Popular Journalist Barkha Dutt hailed the verdict and called it the triumph of Feminism and reason over religion.

Sagarika Ghose hailed the reform too but didn’t forget to take a jibe on Hindu Nationalists and practices. In back to back tweets she said that Verdict on Triple Talaq bolsters gender justice and strengthens women but it is not a “nationalist” triumph over Muslims. She further added that the so called “Hindu” society still permits the monstrosity of manual scavenging, hence high-pitched right-wing braying on Triple Talaq is sickening.

Sagarika’s husband and Consulting Editor, TV Today, Rajdeep Sardesai explained the political significance of it. He said that In 1985, Rajiv Gandhi and Congress lost a historic opportunity on Shah bano case; but Narendra Modi and BJP have seized it today.

Nidhi Rajdan, Executive Editor at NDTV Nidhi Rajdan struck a discordant note by invoking the political angle, she said While credit goes to the SC in striking down triple talaq, having made it a political issue, the BJP will pitch this as it’s achievement.