Kashmir leaders keep mum on SC’s triple talaq judgment

Dinesh Manhotra

Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 22

Political leaders in Kashmir on Tuesday maintained a guarded silence on the Supreme Court’s verdict on triple talaq. Otherwise known for vociferously reacting to all national and international issues, the Kashmir-centric parties refused to come on record on the verdict.

Even the leaders overactive on the social media preferred to keep mum on the issue due to “political compulsions”. Despite repeated attempts, none of the leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party or the National Conference were ready to officially speak on the verdict, which by and large has been hailed by all political parties across the country.

In contrast, the Jammu-based parties, including the BJP, reacted quickly to the Supreme Court verdict. BJP minister in the coalition Priya Sethi hailed the verdict as “historic”. “This is the first-ever verdict in favour of Muslim women,” she said, adding that the SC judgment was a victory for all those who believed that personal laws must be progressive and was a step towards gender equality.

Chairperson of the State Women’s Commission Nayeema Mehjoor welcomed the verdict, saying that it was high time effective steps were taken to stop exploitation of religion. “I welcome this decision. The verdict has provided a chance to bring reforms in the system,” she said, adding that “it is high time this opportunity was seized to make a comprehensive law on talaq.”

Nayeema said the verdict came as a big relief to the women victims of the instant triple talaq and hoped that the Muslim Personal Law Board would bring in reforms keeping in view the prevailing times.

She said the verdict had not only provided an opportunity to the government to formulate a comprehensive law by evolving consensus among all political parties but had also given a chance to Muslim clerics to come forward to single out those elements who were exploiting religion.

Eminent Supreme Court lawyer from Kashmir Shabnam Lone, while welcoming the verdict, said triple talaq was not only unconstitutional but also un-Islamic, as Islam held women in high regard. She, however, said the court had no power to direct Parliament to formulate a law. “The court can only interpret and verify the constitutional validity of any law,” Lone said.