The Supreme Court on Monday gave the central government four weeks to respond to a batch of petitions on the rights Muslim women that challenged the practice of triple talaq, PTI reported. The additional solicitor general sought more time for the Centre to file a response in the matter after the court issued it a notice earlier. The issue was brought up before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India TS Thakur, ANI reported.

This comes after the All India Muslim Personal Law Board faced criticism from activists for saying that while it was the "least appreciated" means of divorce, triple talaq was permitted under the Shariat, or Muslim personal law. In an affidavit submitted before the top court, the board had also said that the Supreme Court did not have the right to decide on the validity of the triple talaq practice, and that "personal laws cannot be re-written in the name of social reforms".

The apex court is hearing a number of petitions against the age-old practice of triple talaq, which has been challenged by Muslim women from across the country. It was supposed to examine the validity of the Islamic rule, verify whether it violated the fundamental rights of Muslim women and come out with a verdict on Tuesday, September 6.