The Supreme Court of India’s decision on Tuesday (August 22) to ban the practice of “triple talaq” is an important victory for girls’ and women’s rights.
Triple talaq, also known as instant divorce, made it possible for a husband to divorce his wife simply by saying the word “talaq” three times.
Girls and women left destitute
Many women – particularly those from poor communities – were left destitute by triple talaq and, although the legal age of marriage in India is 18, the rates of child marriage are as high as 69 per cent in some parts of the country, meaning that young girls were also affected by the practice.
Triple talaq is a prime example of how unequal power relations perpetuate gender inequality.
Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director of Plan India, welcomed the ruling from India’s top court that the practice was unconstitutional:
“The banning of triple talaq, as a way of annulling marriage, is great news for girls and women, and we welcome the judgement from the Supreme Court of India. Too many women have had their lives destroyed by this practice, which is skewed in the favour of men’s desires and pays little heed to the needs and rights of women and girls.
"Triple talaq is a prime example of how unequal power relations perpetuate gender inequality, and the pronouncement by the Supreme Court of India reinforces that the Constitution is supreme; thus we are one step closer to achieving a more equal and gender just society."
Editor's notes
Spokespersons are available for interviews.
