National Commission for Women (NCW) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar on Friday said she is satisfied with how the law against triple talaq is being implemented, but added that many women affected by the practice still do not know their rights. She said those who are unaware or afraid can approach the NCW for help.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 makes the instant practice of triple talaq illegal and allows punishment of up to three years for anyone who tries to end a marriage by uttering the words at once. “A law has already been enacted in the country against the practice of triple talaq, and it is being implemented very effectively,” Rahatkar said.
She shared that during a public hearing she chaired in the city, one of the women present was a victim of triple talaq. Police officers were instructed to immediately file a case on her complaint. Rahatkar said this shows that the system is responding, but awareness still needs to improve.
She also raised concerns about the increasing number of cybercrimes targeting women. According to her, the NCW is running several awareness campaigns to help women understand how to protect themselves online.
When asked why the post of chairperson of the Madhya Pradesh Women’s Commission has remained vacant for a long time, Rahatkar said the state government has already been told to fill the position. “We will again request the state government to make an immediate appointment to this position,” she said.
During the public hearing, Rahatkar listened to nearly 70 cases involving crimes against women and instructed officials to take strong action in each of them.
