New Delhi, July 30: The Centre has listed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, also referred to as the triple talaq Bill, for consideration in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. Hopeful of a cross-party support, the government expects to pass the law which would criminalise the practice of instant triple talaq within the Muslim community.

The Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha by a voice vote amidst a walkout by Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress, DMK and others. A division of votes has revealed that 302 MPs voted in its favour, whereas, 82 voted against the law. Triple Talaq Banned by 20 Islamic Countries, Why Can't 'Secular' India do it, Says Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

The ruling BJP has issued a whip to its MPs, asking them to ensure their presence in the Upper House today.

The Bill, which criminalises instant divorce by Muslim men and seeks jail term for the guilty, was the first draft legislation tabled by the Narendra Modi government in this first session after it took oath of office for a second term in May.

Watch: Triple Talaq Bill Passed in Lok Sabha, Here’s Who Said What During Debate in Parliament

Several Opposition parties have bitterly opposed it but the government has asserted that the Bill is a step towards gender equality and justice. Parties like the Congress, the Trinamool Congress and the DMK have demanded that it be sent to a parliamentary committee for scrutiny.

Unlike the Lower House, where the BJP-led NDA enjoys strong majority, the ruling alliance will face an uphill task in Rajya Sabha where opposition parties have numerical advantage over the treasury benches. Some of the BJP's allies, including the JD(U), have also expressed their reservation against the Bill.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2019 10:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).