Population Foundation of India described the new laws of Taliban as dangerous. Javed Akhtar strongly condemned the provisions on X legalizing wife beating and punishment for leaving the house without permission.
The Population Foundation of India (PFI) on Thursday described as “shocking and alarming” reports that the Taliban has justified domestic violence as long as it “breaks bones” of women. PFI says that this step is tantamount to giving legal recognition to the abuses. Now, Bollywood’s popular lyricist and screenplay writer Javed Akhtar has shared his opinion on X while reacting to the new laws.
What did Javed Akhtar say
In his new post on February 21, Javed said, “The Taliban have legalized wife beating, but without breaking any bones. If a wife goes to her maternal home without her husband’s permission, she will be jailed for three months. I request the Muftis and Mullahs of India to condemn this unconditionally because all this is being done in the name of their religion.”
New law in Taliban
This comment of the lyricist came when the news came out that Taliban has approved a huge 90-page criminal code on the orders of its top leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. According to a report by The Independent, under the Taliban’s new penal code, domestic violence by a husband is largely justified under certain conditions. A husband can beat his wife, but punishment will apply only if the attack is with a stick and causes serious injury, and the burden of proof will be on the woman.
Despite this, the maximum punishment for the husband is 15 days’ imprisonment. Additionally, a woman who leaves her husband’s home without permission can be jailed for up to three months, and relatives who shelter her may also be considered guilty of a crime, severely restricting women’s autonomy and legal protections.
Meanwhile, if a woman leaves her husband’s house without permission and refuses to return upon his request, she can reportedly be jailed for up to three months. The Code also states that in such a situation, the relatives who shelter the person can also be considered guilty of the crime.