A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the practice of instant triple talaq is unconstitutional and against the teachings of Islam. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Justice J S Khehar ruled against the practise by a majority of 3:2. The bench began hearing a clutch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the practice of 'instant triple talaq' or talaq-e-bidat among Muslims in May 2017. It had said it would first determine if the practice is fundamental to Islam. Besides seeking a ban on instant triple talaq, the seven petitioners that comprise five Muslim women had also moved the apex court over the practice of nikah halala and polygamy in the community. Many Islamic nations, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Egypt and Iran, do not recognise the husband's right to unilaterally divorce through triple talaq.