Javed Akhtar slams Taliban’s ‘wife beating’ law: 'I beseech the Mufties and mullas of India to condemn it unconditionally'

Award-winning lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has strongly reacted to reports that the Taliban has formalised domestic violence under certain conditions in Afghanistan’s new penal code. Calling the development disturbing, Akhtar took to X on February 21 to express his outrage.His reaction comes after reports surfaced about a sweeping 90-page criminal code allegedly signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which has drawn sharp criticism globally. In a strongly worded post, Akhtar wrote, “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.”His statement quickly sparked debate online, with many echoing his concerns over women’s rights and legal protection.According to a report by The Independent, the Taliban’s new penal code permits a husband to beat his wife under certain conditions, with punishment applying only if the assault involves a stick and results in severe injury. The burden of proof reportedly lies with the woman.Even in such cases, the maximum penalty for the husband is said to be 15 days’ imprisonment. The code further states that a woman who leaves her husband’s home without permission and refuses to return upon his request could face up to three months in jail. Relatives who shelter her may also be considered to have committed an offence, significantly restricting women’s autonomy and legal safeguards. The Population Foundation of India (PFI) on Thursday termed the reports “shocking and dangerous,” stating that such provisions effectively amount to the legalisation of abuse.