21.09.2018New Delhi, 20 September 2018

India has criminalized the practice of "triple talaq", which allows Muslim men to divorce their wives by using the word "talaq" meaning divorce in Arabic, three times in person, over the phone or even in writing or text message.

The Supreme Court last year struck down a legal provision that had permitted the practice. A new ordinance approved on Wednesday by an executive body led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi goes a step further, making it a criminal offense and setting a fine and a jail sentence of up to three years for men convicted of using the practice.

But the ordinance is law for only up to six months. During that period, India’s Parliament must pass the ordinance or it will become void.

Read more "The New York Times: India Criminalizes Instant ‘Talaq’ Divorces for Muslim Men"

Read also "First Post: Centre passes ordinance on triple talaq: Is criminalising offence tantamount to 'legislative overreach'?"