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Kerala minister says the govt is open to discuss new projects with Adani group, but not keen on polluting industries and privatisation of power & water

OpIndia Staff
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Kerala minister says the govt is open to discuss new projects with Adani group, but not keen on polluting industries and privatisation of power & water

Kerala is not averse to discussing any new project with the Adani group and will do so only if there is a “win-win” situation that benefits the people of the state as well, said P Rajeev, the Minister of Law, Industries and Coir of the state. However, he added that the Kerala govt is not keen to have any big industries that will cause pollution and ecological damage.

The comments come amidst the opposition parties stalling parliament over bribery allegations made by the US govt against the Adani group.

Rajeev said Kerala has a big investment from the Adani group in the under-construction Vizhinjam Seaport, adding that that the government decided to go ahead with the project signed by the previous govt only because the benefits for the state and its people from the transhipment port project.

Notably, the Kerala government last month extended its agreement with Adani Vizhinjam Port for an additional five years, with a revised deadline for the commissioning of the port by December.

Minister Rajeev said that the state government is against giving any special incentives and wants the investors to operate on the govt’s conditions.

Replying to a question on what changes after Adani’s indictment by the US justice department, he said, “We are working with them, we are not giving that much incentives, a win-win position should be there. It should create employment opportunities, (get) more revenue to the state.”

When asked if the state govt will continue to engage with the Adani group for other projects, Rajeev said the government is open to discussions with the business group. However, he added that some areas like privatisation in electricity or water distribution will be out of such discussions.

He emphasized that while the Kerala government is collaborating with the Adani group on the Vizhinjam port project, it also opposes the group’s involvement in other ventures, such as the transfer of operations of the nearby international airport, just 15 km from the port.

He said, “We are not completely opposed to big industries; they are essential. However, they must create jobs for our people and remain environmentally friendly.” Minister Rajeev added that Kerala welcomes investments in areas like medical devices manufacturing, robotics, and spice processing.

Jammu: Authorities issue eviction notices to Rohingyas and Bangladeshis; cut water and electricity supply

OpIndia Staff
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Jammu: Authorities issue eviction notices to Rohingyas and Bangladeshis; cut water and electricity supply

Authorities in Jammu have intensified their crackdown on Rohingya and Bangladeshi infiltrators. As per media reports, electricity and water connections of over 400 households have been cut, and eviction orders have been issued for land that was illegally occupied. The action has sparked a political row in the region, with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs, Javed Rana coming out in support of the infiltrators. He has vowed to ensure a continuous water supply to the affected individuals on “humanitarian grounds”.

Water and electricity disconnections

Notably, the crackdown on illegal immigrants has been underway for several days. It has led to the disconnection of 409 water and electricity connections in Jammu city. Authorities are also conducting verification drives to identify the infiltrators. Around 14 plots of land, where these families were living, have been marked for clearance. The owners have been directed to evict the occupants at the earliest.

Legal actions against landlords

Reportedly, FIRs have been registered against 18 landlords accused of renting rooms to individuals without proper verification. Furthermore, four Rohingyas were arrested by the police during the ongoing operation. Officials have signalled that the action will continue to address security concerns tied to these infiltrators.

Political backlash and BJP support

Former minister Javed Rana voiced opposition to the measures being taken against the infiltrators. He said, “No one has the right to deprive anyone of water or electricity.” He assured that the administration would be questioned over the crackdown and promised uninterrupted water supply to the affected infiltrators.

On the other hand, BJP leaders have welcomed the action, citing national security concerns. The presence of Rohingyas and Bangladeshis in Jammu has long been a contentious issue, with reports estimating over 13,000 individuals residing in the region. BJP leaders emphasised that the crackdown is essential for safeguarding sensitive areas.

Concerns over infiltration and employment

Reports suggest that some Rohingyas have moved from Jammu to other sensitive districts, such as Rajouri and Kathua. In Kathua’s holding centre alone, over 200 Rohingyas are detained. Concerns have also been raised about their alleged involvement in local employment disputes. Earlier reports revealed that Rohingyas were being hired for sanitation work in place of local labourers, often at double the wages.

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma performs Bhumi Pujan for Palasbari-Sualkuchi Bridge over Brahmaputra in Guwahati

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Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma performs Bhumi Pujan for Palasbari-Sualkuchi Bridge over Brahmaputra in Guwahati

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday performed the Bhumi Pujan ceremony for a new bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Western Guwahati. The 4-lane road bridge will connect Palashbari in the south with Assam’s silk capital Sualkuchi in the north.

The event was held at Bathan Pam in Sualkuchi, and it marks the formal start of the construction of the bridge that will provide vital connectivity in the region. CM Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted, “Marking another milestone in our infrastructural journey, the 12.21 km long Palasbari-Sualkuchi Bridge will bridge the gap between the two important places and boost connectivity in the State.”

The project’s foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2023, and the estimated cost of the project is ₹ 3197.20 crore. The project is supported by the New Development Bank (NDB), which approved a $300 million loan in 2019.

The 12.21 km long bridge includes a 3.6 km long cable-stayed bridge portion, a 5.61 km approach on the Palashbari side and a 3 km approach on the Sualkuchi side including wetland approach viaducts. Two approach viaducts of 0.216 kilometres each and wetland viaducts of 0.864 kilometres are included in the approach sections.

The construction arm of Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) has won the contract awarded by Assam’s Public Works Roads Department to build the bridge, defeating SP Singla Constructions.

The 12.21 kilometre long 4-lane extradosed Prestressed Concrete bridge will connect Palashbari on National Highway 17 to Sualkuchi via the Bongshar-Sualkuchi Road. The bridge will provide connectivity to the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The upcoming Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Guwahati is also located near the southern end of the bridge.

This is among the several new bridges being constructed and proposed on Brahmaputra. The 6-lane Guwahati-North Guwahati bridge is nearing completion and will be opened next year, while another bridge on Eastern Guwahati is being built as part of the Guwahati Ring Road project. A second bridge between Jogighopa and Pancharatna, India’s longest 20 km Dhubri-Phulbari bridge, and the Jorhat-Majuli bridge are under construction.

A third bridge at Saraighat in Guwahati which will be a rail-road bridge, a tunnel under Brahmaputra in central Assam, another bridge between Marigaon and Darrang districts have been approved and constructions for them will start soon, while another bridge between Sivsagar and Lakhimpur districts is under consideration.

Maharashtra Waqf Board claims the lands of 103 farmers, issues notice to farmers to vacate

OpIndia Staff
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Maharashtra Waqf Board claims the lands of 103 farmers, issues notice to farmers to vacate

After the Waqf Boards of various states declared villages, and big hotels, and even colleges as their property, the intentions of the Waqf Board have come to the fore, and it is not ready to stop. Now, the Maharashtra Waqf Board has staked its claim on the lands of 103 farmers of Latur. It has also issued notices to the farmers who own these lands.

The aggrieved farmers say that the Waqf is now trying to usurp the lands on which they have been farming for generations. The farmers say that the Waqf Board set its eyes on about 300 acres of their land and usurped it. Notices have been issued to 103 farmers to vacate the land. A suit has been filed in the Maharashtra State Waqf Tribunal of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar about this matter.

The notice sent by the Waqf Board says that the farmers of Talegaon in Latur should vacate these lands immediately. The farmers, scared by the notice, have appealed to the government and administration for help to save their lands. The farmers say that this is their own land, the Waqf Board has no part in it. It has been almost two months since the notice was sent.

The Waqf Board says that these lands have been given to the villagers by it and now it wants these lands back. Some villagers say that they have the documents of these lands from the Nizam period. At the same time, a farmer showed the Hyderabad Gazette. He told that he has this document since the time when Bidar was a district. During that time his ancestors had bought the land.

Audacity of the Waqf Board

This is not the only case of arbitrariness of the Waqf Board. The Uttar Pradesh Waqf Board has also staked its claim on the famous Uday Pratap College (UP College) located in Varanasi. The board says that this property belongs to it. Uday Pratap College was established about 115 years ago in 1909 by Raja Uday Pratap Singh Judev of Bhinga (Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh).

Additionally, in the year 2022, the Waqf Board of Tamil Nadu staked its claim on the entire Thiruchendurai village of Hindus, calling it a Waqf property. There is a 1500-year-old temple there, but still the Waqf Board also declared it as its property. In this way, the Waqf Board has staked its claim on 369 acres of land.

In Karnataka, the Waqf Board has claimed 1200 acres (about 2000 bighas) of land as its property by calling it Shah Aminuddin Dargah’s land. After this, the Congress government of the state sent notices to the farmers asking them to vacate those lands. Later, the farmers of Honwada village in Tikota taluk of Vijayapura district complained about this to Minister MB Patil.

UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Piyush Goyal to address World Hindu Economic Forum in Mumbai

OpIndia Staff
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UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Union Minister Piyush Goyal to address World Hindu Economic Forum in Mumbai

The World Hindu Economic Forum (WHEF) 2024 is scheduled to take place from 13th December to 15th December at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, Mumbai. This year’s theme is “Think in Future, for the Future”. According to the press release by WHEF, keynote speakers at the event include some of the most prominent names in the country including feature Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, and Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal.

A platform for forward-thinking economic strategies

In a statement, WHEF Founder Swami Vigyananand stated that the forum aims to promote sustainable economic strategies aligned with the vision of a “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He added that this year, the forum is inspired by the Bhagavad Gita. The theme will reflect priorities from the Union Budget and aim to provide a platform for innovation and economic growth through dynamic dialogue.

The event will focus on the future of Bharat’s economy through plenary and parallel sessions on emerging sectors like Industry 4.0, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, agritech, skill development, and semiconductor manufacturing. Other topics include defence and aerospace, electric mobility, capital markets, and tourism.

A decade of connecting wealth creators

WHEF was formed in 2012. Since its inception, the forum has provided a notable platform for wealth creators. It has united financially successful individuals to share resources and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs. Around 1,000 delegates from across the globe are expected to attend this year’s edition which will offer unparalleled networking opportunities to rising entrepreneurs and businesses.

In a statement, Shri Ravikant Mishra, Secretary of the Organising Committee said, “WHEF has curated an exceptional list of speakers, including industry stalwarts such as NSE CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan, Jio Financial Services Chairman KV Kamath, Bharat Forge Vice Chairman Amit Kalyani, and Indian Dairy Association President RS Sodhi.”

New opportunities for startups

Furthermore, WHEF will debut a launchpad this year that has been designed to showcase innovative startups. Shailesh Trivedi, Joint Secretary of the Organising Committee, said in a statement, “This platform will enable startups to pitch their ideas to global investors and expand their market reach.”

Vision for a USD 10 trillion economy

The forum said in a press release that it is driven by its mission of “Creating and Sharing Surplus Wealth,” advocating for collaboration among governments, businesses, academia, and civil society to achieve a USD 10 trillion economy. The forum is aimed to turn Bharat into a prosperous and equitable society by 2047 by fostering connectivity, partnerships, and affordable capital.

Uttar Pradesh: Tabish Asghar deceives Hindu woman with fake identity of Vishal Rana, forced conversion and abortion follow

OpIndia Staff
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Uttar Pradesh: Tabish Asghar deceives Hindu woman with fake identity of Vishal Rana, forced conversion and abortion follow

A case of love jihad has come to light in Uttar Pradesh, linking the districts of Amroha and Noida. As per media reports, a man named Tabish Asghar posed as a Hindu named Vishal Rana to deceive a Hindu woman. Asghar, who is a resident of Naugawan Sadat in Amroha, posed as Rana to deceive the daughter of a businessman from Shahjahanpur.

The accused married the victim under Hindu rites and later pressured her to convert to Islam. Furthermore, he also forced her to abort her pregnancy and even attempted to murder her. An FIR was registered against Asghar at Gautam Buddh Nagar Sector 113 Police Station. He was arrested and sent to jail.

According to media reports, the woman is the daughter of a businessman from Shahjahanpur. She met Tabish Asghar four years ago. At that time, he introduced himself as Vishal Rana, a Rajput, from Naugawan Sadat. As time passed, he gained her trust, and their friendship soon turned into a romantic relationship.

On 22nd February 2023, Asghar, under his assumed identity, married the Hindu woman in a ceremony that followed Hindu traditions at a banquet hall in Ghaziabad. The event was attended by the family of the victim and Asghar’s brother, Wasim Akhtar, who falsely identified himself as “Vasu Rana” to support the deception.

A few days after the wedding, Asghar took the victim to Allahabad High Court under the pretext of registering a court marriage. During the process, the woman discovered the real identity of Tabish Asghar through official documents. Shocked by the revelation, the woman questioned him about his deception. However, Asghar silenced her by claiming her future would be at stake if she pursued the matter further.

Later, Asghar started to pressure her to convert to Islam. When she resisted, he forced her to undergo an abortion and threatened to kill her. The woman could not bear the coercion and returned to her parents’ house in Shahjahanpur. Tabish, however, went to the woman and apologised to her. He somehow managed to convince her to return to Noida with him, only to resume his coercive behaviour shortly after.

The situation escalated when he allegedly attempted to murder her by pushing her off a hill during an outing in Ramnagar. After that, he fled and remained untraceable for several days. The woman lodged a missing person complaint, which led the police to locate him.

An FIR was registered at Sector 113 Police Station in Gautam Buddh Nagar under several charges, including assault, forced abortion, and violations of the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act. He has since been arrested and sent to jail.

Bar Council of India removes AAP legal cell head Sanjeev Nasiar as Vice Chair of Delhi chapter over alleged fake law degree, urges CBI probe

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Bar Council of India removes AAP legal cell head Sanjeev Nasiar as Vice Chair of Delhi chapter over alleged fake law degree, urges CBI probe

The Bar Council of India on Sunday directed the immediate removal of Advocate Sanjeev Nasiar from his position as Vice Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi.

Additionally, the Secretary of the Bar Council has been instructed to request an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the authenticity of Nasiar’s LL.B. (Hons.) degree and possible fabrication of related records. Nasiar, who also heads the legal cell of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), faces scrutiny over these allegations.

The Bar Council of India, in its meeting held on December 7, 2024, has resolved to take immediate and decisive action in the matter concerning allegations of irregularities in the LL.B. (Hons.) Degree issued to Sanjeev Nasiar, Vice-Chairman, Bar Council of Delhi by Devi Ahilyabai Vishvavidyalaya, Indore.

This decision follows an inquiry conducted by a sub-committee constituted as per the resolution dated September 3, 2024, and in response to directions of the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi.

BCI issued a press statement stating that the inquiry has revealed significant and glaring discrepancies in the records relating to Sanjeev Nasiar’s degree. The inspection of P.M.B. Gujarati Arts and Law College, Indore, disclosed that the college was not authorized to conduct an LL.B. (Hons.) Course during the relevant period.

The academic records provided to the Sub-committee appeared tampered with or fabricated with uniform handwriting and ink consistency spanning an extended period. Additionally, it was established that the LL.B. (Hons) program was introduced under The Bar Council of India regulations only in 2008, rendering the degree in question, purportedly issued in 1988, inconsistent with regulatory requirements.

The non-cooperation and obstructive behaviour of university officials during the inquiry further cast serious doubts on the authenticity of the degree.

The Sub-Committee constituted by The Bar Council of India, has after a thorough enquiry, concluded that the authenticity of the LL.B (Hons.) Degree of Sanjeev Nasiar is highly questionable.

In accordance with its statutory authority under the Advocates Act, 1961, and the Bar Council of India Rules, the General Council of the Bar Council of India has resolved as follows.

“The report dated 25.10.2024 of the Sub-Committee regarding enquiry of the LL.B (Hons.) Degree of Mr. Sanjeev Nasiar is hereby adopted. The Secretary, Bar Council of India is directed to approach the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) with the request to hold an immediate investigation into the authenticity of the LL.B. (Hons.) Degree of Mr. Sanjeev Nasiar and potential fabrication of related records and take appropriate action.

Pending the outcome of the investigation, Sanjeev Nasiar is removed from the position of Vice Chairman, Bar Council of Delhi, said BCI statement.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Pakistan: Balochistan residents stage protest over enforced disappearances carried out by Pak forces, demand release of missing men

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Pakistan: Balochistan residents stage protest over enforced disappearances carried out by Pak forces, demand release of missing men

Residents of Parom, a town in the Panjgur district of Balochistan, staged a sit-in outside a local Frontier Corps (FC) camp, calling for the immediate release of their missing family members. They warned that if their demands were not addressed, they would escalate their protests.

In a statement, the residents claimed that Pakistani forces carried out an operation late Thursday night, encircling the area and raiding homes. They accused the forces of damaging property, stealing valuables, and physically abusing the locals.

During the operation, four young men Khalil Siddique, Abdul Shakoor Saleh, Arshad Rafiq, and Waseem, son of Muhammad Hashim were reportedly taken into custody and have since disappeared, with no information about their current whereabouts, The Balochistan Post reported.

The protesters have declared that their demonstration will persist until the detainees are freed and emphasized that any harm during the protest would be the responsibility of the forces and local authorities.

Local sources revealed that all the missing individuals were labourers or drivers of vehicles transporting oil. The residents have demanded their immediate release, stressing that these men were not engaged in any criminal activities.

Meanwhile, the protest camp organized by the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP) outside the press club in Quetta marked its 5659th day. Political and social activists, including Muhammad Ali Baloch, Abdul Razzaq Baloch, Mir Bijjar Marri, Tahir Badini, and Suresh Bugti, arrived from Khuzdar to express their solidarity with the families of the missing persons.

In a conversation with the visitors, VBMP Vice Chairman Mama Qadeer Baloch criticized the Pakistani state for its ongoing disregard for international human rights standards. He denounced the growing crackdown in regions such as Panjgur, Khuzdar, Kharan, Kalat, Bolan, Dera Bugti, and Harnai, where military operations have reportedly intensified in recent weeks.

Mama Qadeer also accused state-backed militias of carrying out atrocities against the Baloch people. He pointed to the rising number of abductions and the discovery of mutilated bodies, describing it as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Balochistan.

The people of Balochistan have consistently raised their concerns about enforced disappearances and military operations, yet their calls for justice and accountability have gone unaddressed.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Police stop ‘Dilli Chalo’ march after ‘Jattha’ of 101 farmers didn’t match with given list, use tear gas to disperse protestors at Shambhu border

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Police stop ‘Dilli Chalo’ march after ‘Jattha’ of 101 farmers didn’t match with given list, use tear gas to disperse protestors at Shambhu border

Police on Sunday deployed tear gas at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to disperse farmers who began their ‘Dilli Chalo’ march earlier today.

Police and protesting farmers got into a verbal altercation and drone footage showed police blocking the farmers at the border.

According to Haryana Police, the group of farmers moving ahead did not match the list of 101 farmers they were given who were scheduled to participate in today’s march.

“We will first identify them (farmers) and then we can allow them to go ahead. We have a list of the names of 101 farmers, and they are not those people – they are not letting us identify them – they are moving ahead as a mob,” said a Haryana police official deployed at the site.

Police said that the farmers did not have permission to move towards Delhi.

Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, “The ‘Jattha’ of our 101 farmers and labourers have reached. We have already issued the list, if they (the police) have decided that they will check the IDs first before allowing us to move, they should tell us we will cooperate with that. We have shown the discipline and will continue to be so… They are using more tear gas today, as the wind direction is towards us. We are ready for any kind of sacrifice… It’s the PM who has the solution for our problems, either he does it or let us march to Delhi.”

A protesting farmer at the Shambhu border claimed that the police had the wrong list. He said that they were requesting the police to allow them to move ahead, as they have identity cards.

“The list they (police) have is wrong – the list doesn’t have the name of farmers coming here. We have asked them (the police) to let us move ahead and we will show them our identity cards. Police are saying that we (farmers) don’t have permission to move ahead – so why do we have to prove our identity?… We are trying to sort things out through dialogues – but anyhow we will move ahead. I told them (police) to go to Haryana as this is the land of Punjab.”

Earlier today, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher announced that a ‘Jattha’ of 101 farmers would march at 12 noon.

SSP Patiala had issued a memorandum cautioning the media against interfering in farmers’ matters, citing a specific incident on December 6, that violated statutory provisions, and urging mediapersons to maintain a safe distance while fulfilling their responsibilities.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Moradabad: Man gives triple talaq to wife for saying that attack on Police in Sambhal was wrong, says she is Kafir, not Muslim

OpIndia Staff
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Moradabad: Man gives triple talaq to wife for saying that attack on Police in Sambhal was wrong, says she is Kafir, not Muslim

A Muslim man in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh divorced his wife using the banned triple talaq practice just because she said that the riots and attack on police in Sambhal were wrong. The man accused his wife of being a kafir, pronounced instant divorce, and abandoned her along with their 5-month-old son.

The woman identified as Nida was planning to visit Sambhal for a wedding, and was watching videos on Sambhal violence to check if it was safe to visit the town. The violence in Sambhal erupted in Sambhal after a court ordered survey of the Jama Masjid there over claims that it was built by demolishing a temple.

Her husband Ejazul was living separately from his family for some time, and was not providing financial support to his family. Therefore, recently Nida went to his office to meet him, and while waiting, she was watching videos on Sambhal violence on her phone. When the husband arrived and saw her watching the videos, he confronted her about why she was watching such videos.

In response, the woman asked what is wrong in watching the videos. She then proceeded to say what is wrong is wrong, and everyone has the right to defend themselves, referring to the attack on the police by Muslim mob.

Her husband got enraged at hearing this, and announced instant divorce on the spot declaring that she is not Muslim. He said, ‘You are a kafir (infidel), you are not a Muslim. You are supporting police. Now I will not keep you, I am divorcing you right here’. Saying this, he pronounced the word ‘Talaq’ three times.

He then asked her to leave, saying that their relation has ended. She pleaded to not divorce her, saying that their kid is ill, but he didn’t listen, and ordered her to leave.

Nida also said that she has 3 children from her previous marriage, and married Ejazul after the death of her previous husband. But Ejazul refuses to accept them, and he also refuses to accept his own son with her.

After the incident, the woman filed a complaint against the man at police station in Moradabad. Confirming the development, Moradabad SP Ranvijay Sing said, “A woman has filed a complaint against her husband that she was watching a YouTube video related to Sambhal, which led to a fight between the couple. The husband asked her not to watch the video, and when she did not agree, he ended the marriage by saying talaq three times.”

Notably, the controversial practice of triple talaq that allows Muslim men to divorce their wives by saying the word ‘Talaq’ three times was banned by the Supreme Court in 2017. After that in 2019, the Modi government legislated an act to formally outlaw the practice to protect the rights of Muslim women.

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