Tuesday, February 1 2005 15:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Disappointed with the draft of model Nikahnama prepared by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), left-leaning AIDWA (All India Democratic Women's Association) yesterday (Jan 31, 2005) said that the document does not take a "clear and strong position" against instant triple talaq and omits 'khula' or the right of women to demand a divorce.

"We had expected the Muslim Personal Law Board to take a clear and strong position against the retrograde practice of triple talaq in one sitting. However, the wording of the sentence 'to avoid talaq in one sitting' or to 'avoid talaq without compulsion' is far too vague," Maimoona Mollah of AIDWA told reporters in New Delhi.

The AIDWA has submitted a memorandum to the Board putting forth its objections and suggestions regarding the Nikahnama.

Noting that instant triple talaq was practiced only in India, Mollah called for scrutiny of the conditions in which the divorce was decreed by the husband. The AIDWA has also conveyed to the Board its reservations with the practice of 'halala', which mandates that the bride should not be the divorcee of the same man, she said.

However, she said, the Board has agreed to look into the suggestion of giving women the right to 'khula' or the right to demand divorce.