Uproar in the Legislative Assembly over ‘triple talaq’ and polygamy

MLA Sana Malik expresses displeasure over the issue being linked only to Muslims

Mumbai, 23 June – BJP MLA Mrs Devyani Farande from Nashik raised a Calling Attention Motion in the Legislative Assembly demanding strict action against the injustice faced by Muslim women in cases involving triple talaq and polygamy in the State. During the discussion, NCP (Ajit Pawar faction) MLA Sana Malik said, “The problems arising from triple talaq and polygamy are not confined to Muslim women alone; women of other religions also suffer because of them.”

This led to a sharp response from MLAs of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, while MLAs of the Congress and the Sharad Pawar faction supported Sana Malik and demanded that she be allowed to speak. The exchanges led to uproar in the House.

1. While moving the Calling Attention Motion, Mrs Devyani Farande referred to the case of Shabana Shabuddin Khan of Nashik, alleging that her husband had threatened to kill her in order to divorce her.

2. She questioned, “When even an Islamic country like Pakistan imposes restrictions on polygamy, how can such practices continue in India ?” Responding to this, Sana Malik said, “Pakistan has acted in accordance with what is prescribed in the Quran. India too should act in accordance with the Quran.”

3. BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar replied, “There is no need to provide information about the Quran in this House. The country is governed by the Constitution.” BJP Minister Nitesh Rane sharply retorted, “If you want to live according to the Quran, then go to Pakistan.”

All cases registered in connection with triple talaq pertain to Muslims

In 2024, 42 cases relating to triple talaq were registered in Maharashtra. The allegations were found to be substantiated in all the cases, and 152 persons were arrested. In 2025, 39 cases relating to triple talaq were registered and 95 persons were arrested. Yogesh Kadam stated that no such offences had been recorded among followers of other religions and clarified that all the registered cases were related to Muslims.

Do not link action against atrocities on women to religion ! – BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj taught respect for women of all religions. Therefore, action against atrocities on women should not be linked to religion. The remarks made by Sana Malik linking crimes against women with religion should be expunged from the proceedings. Even if atrocities against women occur among Hindus, the guilty must be punished, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar said while criticising Sana Malik’s statement.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam said, “We do not hate any religion. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj taught us to respect all religions.”