The government on Monday rejected the Opposition’s demand in the Rajya Sabha to send the contentious Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018, to a joint select committee for further scrutiny.
The House was adjourned after heated exchanges between the treasury and Opposition benches.
The Bill will be taken up again on Wednesday, when the House meets after a break for New Year’s Day. The legislation was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Friday.
The government is in an uncomfortable position, with at least three parties, including NDA ally Janata Dal (United), opposed to the legislation.
According to sources, 25 members — 13 from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and six each from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and the JD(U) — may walk out or abstain if a vote is called. The AIADMK and the TRS have rarely voted against any government legislation.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD), which has maintained equidistance from both government and Opposition blocs, is backing the Bill.
The Opposition is confident of the support of 116 members out of the total strength of 245.
