Dia Mirza hails Parliament approval to triple talaq bill

Terming the triple talaq bill as a historic step for ensuring dignity and empowerment of women, actress-activist Dia Mirza on Wednesday said she is feeling extremely proud after Parliament approved the landmark legislation. Parliament on Tuesday approved the bill that makes instant triple talaq a criminal offense. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill was passed by 99 votes in favor and 84 against in the Rajya Sabha, a week after its passage in the Lok Sabha.

"I am feeling extremely proud (after Parliament's approval to the triple talaq bill). This is a historic moment for women because a very important bill was passed," Mirza told reporters after inaugurating a showroom here. "It is a step towards empowering women," the former beauty queen said.

Mirza, who is UN environment goodwill ambassador for India, also expressed happiness over the healthy increase in tiger population in the country. The tiger count has increased from 2,226 in 2014 to 2,967 in 2018, according to the All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018 released on Monday.

"After the encouraging increase in the number of tigers, we need to pay more attention to protecting forests, which are the habitat of wild animals. "Forests are also necessary for the existence of human beings," she said.