Renowned Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar has strongly condemned a reported new Taliban law that legalizes wife beating, provided it does not cause “broken bones or open wounds.” Akhtar called upon Muslim scholars and clerics in India to unconditionally denounce these regulations, which are being enforced in the name of religion. His comments came via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
The controversial law also reportedly prescribes jail terms for women who visit their relatives without their husband’s permission. If a wife visits her parents’ home without consent, she could face up to three months in prison. These draconian measures mark yet another severe restriction on the basic rights and freedoms of Afghan women under the Taliban regime.
Akhtar’s plea highlights the growing international outrage over the treatment of women in Afghanistan. He specifically beseeched “Muftis and Mullahs” to speak out, arguing that silence implies acceptance of these interpretations. His statement has sparked discussions across social media about the misuse of religious authority to oppress women.
Javed Akhtar slams Taliban law legalizing wife beating
