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Kerala launches free legal aid for victims of triple talaq

  • The Commission has already received 21 complaints from women who got divorce through triple talaq
  • The panel will provide free legal assistance to fight the case
  • Women in distress can contact the panel at 0471 - 2315122, 2318122
Kerala launches free legal aid for victims of triple talaq

Amid debates over triple talaq, Kerala Minorities Commission has appointed a commission to provide assistance for divorced women to fight their case. The commission would provide free legal aid to women who were divorced through triple talaq. 
 

The initiative was launched on March 3, and within a day 21 complaints were received from women who are left to fend themselves after they got a divorce through triple talaq, sources said. 
 

The commission, headed by retired judge PK Haneefa, has constituted panels comprising of four women advocates in all 14 districts. The women can approach them for legal assistance and advice. They would get assistance to fight their case free of cost, Haneefa said. 
 

The panel also aims to provide comprehensive educational advancement, protection, welfare and empowerment of minorities. Women in distress can contact the panel at 0471 - 2315122, 2318122, and seek help.
 

"The panel will hear the complaint of women and then advice them on whether to move court or police or other concerned authorities to get redressal. Women from a different part of the state have already come up with complaints," Haneefa said. 
 

Majority complaints are from women between 25 to 49 years-of-age. One of the complainants is a 63-year-old headmistress who has been fighting to get compensation from her former husband for past seven years. 
 

Another complainant from Malappuram has been living at the mercy of her relatives after she got a divorce through triple talaq 22 years ago. A 40-year-old woman from Erumely has been fighting for justice for past ten years. 
 

The practice of triple talaq among Muslims has been challenged in Supreme Court, and a Constitution bench will start hearing of petitions on May 11. The apex court, during earlier sittings, had said that nikah halala, triple talaq and polygamy are important issues that involve sentiments. 
 

Kerala High Court had come up against triple talaq last year and had stated that the practice denies equality before the law to Muslim women in the country. The court also stresses on the need for a codified law with regard to divorce. 


 

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