SC starts hearing on validity of triple talaq (Lead, correcting intro)

New Delhi May 11 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Thursday began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of triple talaq practised by Muslims.

We are going to decide the validity of triple talaq said Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar heading a Constitution bench asking the parties concerned to focus on whether triple talaq was fundamental to Islam.

The Chief Justice also said that petitioners and respondents would address the court on whether triple talaq was an enforceable fundamental right.

The bench sought suggestions on the broad parameters of the directions the court may issue while deciding the validity of triple talaq.

Other judges on the Constitution bench are Justice Kurian Joseph Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice S. Abdul Nazeer.

The court said both sides would get two days each to argue their case. Thereafter both sides would get a day each to submit rejoinders.

--IANS
pk/mr/ruwa/in