 "History Today: When Supreme Court declared Triple Talaq unconstitutional")
On August 22, 2017, the Supreme Court of India ruled that Triple Talaq was unconstitutional.
Until then, Muslim men could end their marriage by saying the word “talaq”, which means “divorce” in Arabic, three times. This could be done face-to-face, through a letter or even on the phone.
Also on this day in 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle escaped an assassination attempt. He survived because of the strong performance of the presidential car, the Citroen DS 19, famously called “La Deesse” (The Goddess).
As part of Firstpost Explainers’ History Today series, here’s a look at what happened on August 22:
Triple Talaq declared unconstitutional
On this day in 2017, the Supreme Court of India delivered a historic ruling by declaring the practice of Triple Talaq unconstitutional.
A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court examined the practice, under which a Muslim man could divorce his wife by saying the word “talaq” three times in quick succession. The judges ruled that it violated the fundamental rights of Muslim women.
Three judges held that the practice was unconstitutional, while two considered it valid.
The court observed that Triple Talaq gave a husband the power to end a marriage at will, leaving the wife without any say.
The judgment stated that such a practice went against the principles of equality and dignity.
The court also said that Triple Talaq was not an essential part of the Islamic faith and could therefore be struck down for violating the rights of Muslim women.
Following the ruling, India moved towards a legal ban on Triple Talaq. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act was passed on July 30, 2019, after years of debate.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe law made Triple Talaq illegal in India from August 1, 2019.
It clearly stated that any form of instant Triple Talaq, whether spoken, written or sent electronically through means like email or SMS, would be null and unlawful.
French president survived assassination attempt
On this day in 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle escaped an assassination attempt, thanks to the strong performance of his presidential car, the Citroen DS 19, famously called “La Deesse” (The Goddess).
In August 1962, members of the OAS (Secret Army Organisation) plotted to kill de Gaulle. They believed he had betrayed France by allowing Algeria (in North Africa) to gain independence.
At dusk on August 22, 1962, de Gaulle and his wife were travelling from the Elysee Palace to Orly Airport. As their black Citroen DS moved along the Avenue de la Liberation in Paris at 70 miles per hour, 12 OAS gunmen opened fire.
In 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle narrowly escaped an assassination attempt when gunmen unleashed over 180 bullets at his car, miraculously missing him and his wife, who emerged unscathed. pic.twitter.com/ZaqNT9fnns
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) July 4, 2025
The attack saw 140 bullets fired, killing two of the president’s motorcycle escorts. The gunfire shattered the car’s rear window and burst all four tyres.
Despite the damage, the driver managed to regain control, accelerate and steer them to safety, helped by the car’s advanced suspension system.
De Gaulle and his wife ducked for cover inside the vehicle and survived without injury.
In 1969, de Gaulle, aware that Citroen had saved his life, tried to block a full takeover of the French carmaker by Fiat. He allowed the Italian company to purchase only up to 15 per cent of the shares.
This Day, That Year
1910: Japan annexed Korea, which stayed under Japanese rule until the end of World War II.
2007: A Black Hawk helicopter crashed in Iraq, killing all 14 US soldiers on board.
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