MUSLIM WOMEN (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS ON MARRIAGE) BILL, 2018

Salient Features of the Bill:

• The bill will replace the ordinance promulgated in September 2018.
  
  
• Clause 3 of the Bill declares pronouncement of talaq, both in written or electronic form, as illegal and void.
  
  
• Pronouncement of talaq is a punishable offence with imprisonment for up to 3 years and a fine. The bill also makes the women entitled to maintenance determined by a magistrate.
  
  
• Congisance of offence can be taken only on a complaint to magistrate by the wife or her close relatives.
  
  
• There is provision for bail, which can be granted by a magistrate only after hearing the wife.
  
  
• The women can also drop the case against her husband if both reach a compromise.