SHAKTI STORIES

Triple Talaq is a practice wherein a Muslim marriage can be dissolved if the husband says the word "talaq", or "divorce", three times. This leaves the woman with no alimony rights, no access to her children, and no support. In 2017, the Supreme Court of India ruled that "triple talaq" is an unlawful practice. This was very significant in the progression of Muslim women's rights, because it was the first step in secularizing Muslim marriage, and bringing it into the modern age. This was already done in 1955 with Hindu marriage (see page on Hindu Marriage Act), so the decision brought marriage rights and dignity to another marginalized group of women.  Indian governments were often hesitant to regulate the Muslim community, for risk of alienating such a large vote bank, so this decision was also regarded as a step in religious equality under the law.