Husband Sentenced for Illegal Triple Divorce After 21-Year Marriage

Patna's District and Sessions Court delivered a two‑year rigorous imprisonment sentence to Najshad Ahmed for the illegal act of granting a triple divorce to his spouse after 21 years of marriage. The ruling, handed by Judge Rajiv Ranjan Sahay, also imposes a fine of INR 6,500, with a provision that non‑payment will attract an extra 22‑day custodial term.

The marriage between Najshad Ahmed and Rajia Sultan (also known as Gudiya) was solemnised on 9 November 2001, resulting in three children. In 2022, the husband reportedly assaulted his wife and children, attempted to throw acid at his wife's face, and on 5 September 2022, unilaterally issued a triple divorce. Rajia lodged an FIR at Fulwarisharif police station, prompting charges under IPC sections 341, 323, 326, 511, 354(b), 379 and 427, alongside Section 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.

After a year‑long investigation, the prosecution presented three witnesses, leading the court to convict Ahmed under both the IPC and the 2019 Act. The sentence reinforces the statutory prohibition of instant triple divorces, a practice declared void by the Muslim Women Act, which also provides for maintenance to the aggrieved wife and guardianship of minor children.

The legislation caps imprisonment for violators at three years and mandates a fine, reflecting the government's intent to eradicate the harmful tradition of instant triple divorce and safeguard the rights of Muslim women within marriage.