Javed Akhtar Reacts Strongly To Taliban Law Permitting Wife Beating, Seeks Unconditional Condemnation

The Population Foundation of India (PFI) has slammed reports that the Taliban has effectively legalised domestic violence unless it results in 'broken bones', calling the move 'shocking and dangerous'. Reacting strongly, Javed Akhtar took to X to condemn the new laws, saying they amount to the outright legitimisation of abuse and reflect a deeply regressive mindset.

Javed Akhtar wrote on X, "In his new X post on February 21, Javed said, “Talibans have legalised wife beating but without any bone fracture. If a wife goes to her parent place with out the husband’s permission , she will be jailed for three months . I beseech the Mufties and mullas of India to condemn it unconditionally because it all is being done in the name of their religion."

ALSO READ: Javed Akhtar Calls Rewriting Songs ‘Intellectual And Creative Bankruptcy’, Reveals Why He Turned Down Border 2

The lyricist’s reaction followed reports that the Taliban had enforced a sweeping 90-page criminal code, signed by its supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which allegedly permits domestic violence under certain conditions. As per The Independent, a husband can beat his wife, with punishment only applicable if the assault using a stick causes severe injury, placing the burden of proof on the woman.

Even in cases where punishment applies, the maximum penalty for a husband is reportedly limited to just 15 days in prison. The new code also states that a woman who leaves her husband’s home without permission can face up to three months of imprisonment.

ALSO READ: Why Salim-Javed Films Like Sholay And Deewar Define Bollywood’s Golden Era | Back To Classics

Additionally, if she refuses to return when asked, she may still be jailed, and relatives who shelter her in such situations can also be charged with an offence, further curbing women’s autonomy and legal protection.