Kovind gives assent to Triple Talaq Bill

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent to the Triple Talaq Bill passed by Parliament, turning it into a law which makes the practice of instant divorce among Muslims a punishable offence, a government notification said. The Act will replace an ordinance promulgated on February 21 this year to the same effect. The new law makes it illegal to pronounce talaq three times in spoken, written or through SMS or WhatsApp or any other electronic chat in one sitting.