Bengaluru woman claims husband gave her triple talaq over WhatsApp from US; Maneka Gandhi takes up case on 'absolute priority'

Bengaluru: Days after a bill criminalising instant triple talaq was passed in the Lok Sabha, a woman in Bengaluru was allegedly given triple talaq by her US-based husband through a text and voice message. Reshma Azeez told ANI, “He left me at my parents’ place, went back to the USA, and divorced me through a message. I am not able to meet my kids also.” [caption id=“attachment_5801091” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A protest against triple talaq. News18[/caption] The text message of Azeez’s husband Javeed Khan reads, “I am sending this message in my full sense and I am not under any influence of anger or intoxication. ALLAH as my witness. I, Dr. Javeed Khan, son of late Taj Ahmed pronounce TALAQ (divorce) to RESHMA Azees , daughter of Azeezuddin, according to ISLAMIC LAW OF SHARIAH. Meher has been completely fulfilled.” The victim sought External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s help in the matter. Women and Child Development minister Maneka Gandhi also took note of the matter and said that the ministry has taken up the case on absolute priority. “My ministry has taken up the case of triple talaq on absolute priority. The first instance post the passing of the bill, criminalising the act of instant divorce in the Muslim community will be dealt with and we shall ensure that justice is done,” Maneka wrote on Twitter. On 27 December, the Lok Sabha passed the Triple Talaq bill which makes the practice a criminal offence with a provision of three-year jail term for the erring husband.