BJP lauds Allahabad HC's 'progressive' verdict on triple talaq

New Delhi [India], Dec. 8 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday hailed the Allahabad High Court's decision on triple talaq as progressive and said that it should be welcomed by all regardless of political affiliations. BJP leader and former home secretary R.K Singh said it is a correct decision, adding one can't oppress half the population in today's time. "It was an oppression on the Muslim women. They were raising their voices against triple talaq. Some orthodox people are objecting to it. It is a progressive move by the court," Singh told ANI. Resonating similar sentiments, another BJP leader Meenakshi Lekhi said that politics should not be done on women's rights. "It is a progressive decision by the court. It should be welcomed by all regardless of political affiliations. Those who have tried to do politics ...I will try to make them understand that for the betterment of the society don't do politics on women's rights because if they are the minority. Violating their rights is violating the society. All should welcome this decision," she added. "Sharia law is not applicable in the country. If it would have been applicable then according to Criminal Justice system, their hands/heads would have been cut off. The decision will benefit the Muslim community," she said. The Allahabad High Court earlier today termed the Islamic practice of divorcing a woman by uttering the word "talaq" thrice as unconstitutional. The High Court further observed that the triple talaq practice sanctioned under Muslim Personal Law that governs marriage, property and divorce violates the rights of Muslim women. Several women had earlier filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking the quashing of the triple talaq practice. The Central Government had also told the apex court that it is against gender injustice and for equality between men and women under the Constitution. However, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board has defended the practice and said it is better to divorce a woman than kill her. (ANI)