Kerala man booked for pronouncing triple talaq via SMS, allegedly threatening wife

A 32‑year‑old man has been booked for allegedly pronouncing triple talaq over the phone, intimidating his wife with threats and subjecting her to prolonged cruelty, police said on Tuesday. The complaint also cites dowry harassment and criminal intimidation as part of the allegations.

The case was registered on Monday at the Muvattupuzha police station under Section 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) , which addresses physical and mental cruelty by a husband or his relatives toward a woman. Additional charges include Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 , a law that makes all forms of triple talaq spoken, in writing or by electronic means void, illegal and punishable with imprisonment and fine.

The accused, Suhail , is a native of Karthikappally taluk in Alappuzha district and was identified to police after the complaint was filed. The couple entered into marriage on September 18, 2016, according to Muslim religious customs, and lived together initially as husband and wife.

According to the complaint, problems began soon after the marriage when Suhail allegedly demanded additional dowry items and cash , a practice outlawed and punishable under Indian law. When these demands were refused, police said Suhail’s behaviour grew increasingly erratic and hostile, ultimately forcing the woman to live separately in the Muvattupuzha area . During that period, she reportedly stayed in hostels and rented accommodation without the security of the matrimonial home.

The situation worsened on May 21, 2025 , when the accused allegedly made a phone call around 9 pm in which he verbally abused the woman and threatened to kill her and her family members . Police said the call was followed by an SMS sent from a secondary number in which he typed the words “talaq” three times , claiming to have divorced her through that message.

The complainant alleged that the abuse was continuous and escalated over time , causing severe emotional and physical distress. Police said they are currently examining electronic evidence such as call logs and SMS records as part of their ongoing investigation into the matter.

Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 , triple talaq has been criminalised nationwide, and attempts to circumvent the law via digital or written communication are also punishable. The act was passed to uphold the rights of Muslim women and prevent instant divorce practices considered unconstitutional by India’s highest court. Police have not yet disclosed whether arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.