Why Shayara Bano's Struggle Is Key To The Triple Talaq Verdict

The Supreme Court has finally abolished the controversial practice of instant divorce in Islam. With this landmark verdict, women activists can finally heave a sigh of relief. It is also a special moment for Shayara Bano, whose petition filed in 2016, triggered waves of change by compelling more and more women to join the Triple Talaq battle.

Read on to know more about Shayara Bano and her fight against Triple Talaq:

Background and education

38-year-old Shayara, who hails from Uttarakhand’s Hempur Daya in Kashipur, holds an MA degree in Sociology.

Marriage

She married Allahabad-based property dealer, Rizwan Ahmed, in 2002. Problems started brewing when her in-laws started demanding cash and car, which her family was unable to provide.

Also: Boycotting Those Who Give Triple Talaq Will Curb Practice: Muslim Law Board

Getting Triple Talaq 

She alleged that her in-laws forced her to have six abortions. Due to this, she had to go through excruciating mental and physical pain.

Her husband gave her Triple Talaq in October 2015 through a letter when she was visiting her parents' house. Rizwan also took away her two kids.

Filing of the petition

In 2016, Shayara Bano approached the Supreme Court and filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the SC, seeking a ban on the regressive practice.

"Muslim women have been given talaq over Skype, Facebook and even text messages. There is no protection against such arbitrary divorce. Muslim women have their hands tied while the guillotine of divorce dangles, perpetually ready to drop at the whims of their husbands who enjoy undisputed power. Such discrimination and inequality hoarsely expressed in the form of unilateral triple-talaq is abominable when seen in light of the progressive times of the 21st century," her petition stated.

She asked Supreme Court to nullify triple talaq, polygamy and nikal halala.

Also: Can Women Say No To Triple Talaq, Asks SC

Bano's husband opposed her plea, by saying that he was following the Muslim Personal Law as it sanctions all the three discriminatory practices.

“I welcome and support the judgment. This is a historic day for Muslim women,” Bano said after the verdict.

She hopes to take up a job and continue fighting for Muslim women's rights.

Read Also: Historic Verdict: Supreme Court calls Triple Talaq Unconstitutional

Picture credit: NDTV