Every year, Muslim Women Rights Day is observed in India on August 1 to commemorate the enactment of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019. The annual event highlights the abolition of the practice of instant triple talaq, which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India in 2017 and subsequently criminalised by the 2019 Act. Instant triple talaq (Talaq-e-Biddat) allowed Muslim men to divorce their wives instantly by saying the word ‘talaq’ three times. This practice was criticised for being unjust and discriminatory towards Muslim women.

In 2017, the Supreme Court of India declared instant triple talaq unconstitutional and two years later, the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, was passed by the Indian Parliament. It states that to make triple talaq in any form — spoken, in writing or by electronic means such as email, SMS and instant messengers illegal and void, with up to three years imprisonment for the husband who pronounces triple talaq.

Muslim Women Rights Day 2024 Date

Muslim Women Rights Day 2024 is celebrated on August 1.

Muslim Women Rights Day History

The legislation classifying triple talaq as a criminal offence came into effect on August 1, 2019. The practice of triple talaq was prohibited and Muslim couples were mandated to get divorced as per the Indian Penal Code and not the Sharia Law. The first Muslim Women Rights Day was observed on August 1, 2020 across India. The then Minister of Minority Affairs, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that the Government aims to celebrate the ‘self-reliance, self-respect and self-confidence’ of the Muslim women of the country and protected their constitutional, fundamental and democratic rights. Muslim women across the country overwhelmingly welcomed this law.

Muslim Women Rights Day Significance

Muslim Women Rights Day is an important day that aims to promote awareness about the rights of Muslim women and ensure justice and equality to them in matrimonial matters. On this day, awareness programs and campaigns are organised across the country to educate Muslim women about the legal rights. Additionally, seminars and workshops are also conducted to discuss the impact of the legislation and further steps to empower Muslim women.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 31, 2024 11:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).