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Javed Akhtar condemns Taliban's new law allowing domestic violence, jailing women: ‘Being done in the name of religion’

New reports stated that the Taliban has formalised domestic violence as permissible so long as it does not result in "broken bones".

Updated on: Feb 21, 2026, 20:02:52 IST
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The Population Foundation of India (PFI) on Thursday termed as "shocking and dangerous" reports that the Taliban has formalised domestic violence as permissible so long as it does not result in "broken bones", saying such a move amounts to legalisation of abuse. Now, award-winning lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has reacted to the new laws and strongly reacted to them through his new statement on X. (Also read: ‘Absolutely despicable’: Swara Bhasker condemns Taliban’s new law allowing domestic violence, jailing women)

What Javed said

Lyricist Javed Akhtar has strongly reacted to the new Taliban laws. (PTI Photo) (PTI01_05_2026_000126A) (PTI)
Lyricist Javed Akhtar has strongly reacted to the new Taliban laws. (PTI Photo) (PTI01_05_2026_000126A) (PTI)

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.”

He went on to add, “What ever may be the political expediency these uncouth barbaric Talibans shouldn’t be given any credibility or respectability by us . They are the scum of the world.”

About the laws

Even then, the maximum penalty for the husband is 15 days’ imprisonment. Additionally, a woman who leaves her husband’s home without permission can face up to three months in jail, and relatives who shelter her may also be considered to have committed an offence, severely restricting women’s autonomy and legal protection.

Meanwhile, a woman could reportedly face up to three months in jail if she leaves her husband’s home without permission and refuses to return upon his request. The code further states that relatives who shelter her in such situations may also be considered to have committed a crime.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Santanu Das

Santanu Das is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 5 years of experience, writing on films, pop culture and film festivals. He has a keen interest in writing about South Asian independent films and has covered several film festivals, including Sundance and CPH: Docx. He also brings a sharp perspective to the monthly column called The Fault in Our Stars, where he writes about a recent film/series and what stops the ‘good’ from becoming ‘great’. A gold medalist from Banaras Hindu University, Santanu completed his postgraduate studies in English from Jadavpur University. He is also a Rotten Tomatoes-certified film critic. When not watching films or speaking to celebrities, Santanu can be found reading a book. Some of his favourite films are Aparajito, Ponyo and The Double Life of Veronique. His favourite books include The Corrections, The God of Small Things and A Room of One's Own. Santanu continues to write passionately about films and celebrity culture. He brings a relatable, as well as critically informed, lens to entertainment and culture for a wide audience. Find him on LinkedIn: santanudasfilm Instagram: @santupecha

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