Even after the Indian Parliament had passed an Act banning triple talaq, there seems to be no impact at all, as cases continue to be registered. A new case of instant talaq has surfaced in Hyderabad. A woman who was given talaq on phone has lodged a complaint against her husband.
Ahmed, a native of Somalia, came to Hyderabad to study. He also has American citizenship. In 2015, he married a young woman named Fatima from the old city and assured her to take her to America. However, post marriage he has been delaying to take her to the US. They did not even suspect as Ahmed was frequently coming and going. Suddenly two months ago he phoned Fatima’s father and told him that he was divorcing her. She was shocked to hear triple talaq over the phone and immediately approached the Telangana government and demanded justice.
Fatima has lodged a joint complaint with the Union Ministry of External Affairs after having failed to extradite Ahmed to India. According to officials, many foreigners come to India under the guise of studying and cheat innocent girls and their parents. Hence, officials are warning girls to be vigilant when it comes to matters pertaining to relationship and marriage. They have asked the families to move forward only after inquiring about the background of the foreigners prior to the marriage. If needed police help may be sought. Such cases can be avoided if one remains vigilant enough, officials say.
Where is the awareness?
This is not a new case. There is no use of criticising governments if people are not vigilant as many campaigns are being held to educate people on this issue. It is not easy to extradite criminals to India and convict them. So, let’s not forget the fact that only being vigilant can stop such things.