SC seeks data on criminal cases filed over triple talaq

The Centre had earlier stated that the state could resort to criminal law to preserve the sanctity of marriage

- PARMOD KUMAR

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Central government to state on affidavit the total number of FIRs registered and charge sheets filed across the country under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, that criminalises divorcing a wife by a Muslim husband by pronouncing talaq three times in one go and provides for a jail term up to three years for such a husband.

At the outset of the hearing of a batch of petitions challenging the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, heading the bench also comprising Justice Sanjay Kumar, asked the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta if he can apprise the court about the total number of FIRs registered in the country under the law and cases pending before courts.

Mr Mehta, representing the central government, said he will provide the details to the court.

The hearing today witnessed the Solicitor General and the advocates appearing for the petitioners, who have challenged the 2019 law, exchanging jibes.