Kerala Woman Files FIR After Husband Pronounces Triple Talaq via SMS
In a distressing incident from Kerala, a woman has filed a First Information Report (FIR) after her husband allegedly pronounced triple talaq to her via an SMS message. The case, registered on Monday, highlights ongoing issues of marital cruelty and the illegal practice of instant divorce in India.
Details of the Complaint
The complainant, a 31-year-old native of Alappuzha, has accused her husband, Suhail, aged 32 and son of Azeezkutty from Thrikkunnapuzha, Alappuzha, of multiple offenses. According to the FIR, the couple married on September 18, 2016, following Islamic religious customs. However, the marriage was marred by disputes and harassment.
The woman alleged that her husband subjected her to cruelty by demanding additional dowry and engaging in frequent arguments. He further forced her to live separately in a hostel located in Muvattupuzha, isolating her from family support.
Escalation of Threats and Abuse
The situation worsened when the accused called the woman from two different phone numbers on May 21, 2025, and February 4, verbally abusing her and issuing death threats. In a shocking turn, she received an SMS from him pronouncing triple talaq, an act that is legally void and punishable under Indian law.
Legal Action Taken
Based on her complaint, the police have registered the case under Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which addresses cruelty to a woman by her husband. Additionally, Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, have been invoked. This legislation explicitly declares triple talaq as illegal and void, prescribing strict penalties for those who pronounce it.
The invocation of these laws underscores the government's commitment to protecting women's rights and eradicating discriminatory practices. The case serves as a reminder of the legal recourse available to victims of such marital injustices.
Authorities are now investigating the matter further, and the accused may face legal consequences if found guilty. This incident has sparked discussions on the enforcement of laws against triple talaq and the need for greater awareness to prevent such occurrences in the future.