We stand by Muslim women in quest for social justice: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the entire country stood with Muslim women in their fight for social justice, while expressing disappointment that the proposed triple talaq legislation could not clear the Rajya Sabha during Parliament's monsoon session.

Speaking in his monthly radio programme 'Mann Ki Baat', Modi said economic progress could not be considered complete without social change and greater protection of women's rights.

"Economic growth will be incomplete without social transformation," he said, pointing out that the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill had been passed by the Lok Sabha but could not secure passage in the Rajya Sabha.

"I assure the Muslim women that the whole country stands by them to provide them social justice," Modi said.

The bill, introduced and passed by the Lok Sabha on December 28, 2017, seeks to make the practice of instant triple talaq punishable with up to three years in prison for the husband.

The legislation, however, faced resistance in the Rajya Sabha, where the BJP did not have a majority. Opposition parties called for the bill to be referred to a Select Committee for detailed examination, but the government did not accept the demand.

The Supreme Court had earlier declared the practice of instant triple talaq legally invalid.

Modi also used the programme to highlight measures taken by his government to strengthen legal provisions dealing with crimes against women and girls.

He referred to amendments to criminal law that introduced tougher punishment for rape, including a minimum 10-year prison term for rape and the death penalty in cases involving the rape of girls below the age of 12.

The Prime Minister cited recent cases in Madhya Pradesh in which courts awarded death sentences to individuals convicted of raping minor girls. He referred to a case in Mandsaur, where the trial concluded in about two months, as well as another case in Katni that was decided within five days.

Modi said the tougher legal provisions would help strengthen deterrence against crimes targeting women and children.

"No civil society can tolerate any kind of injustice towards its women," he said, stressing that the country could not accept violence and sexual crimes against women and girls.

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude to Members of Parliament for what he described as the smooth functioning of the monsoon session, despite the political disagreements over several major legislative issues.