Javed Akhtar faces the music over triple talaq

As the practice stands, a man may divorce his wife instantly by uttering ‘‘talaq’’ three times. The MSD instead urged the board to follow the Holy Quran, which says that talaq should be pronounced over a period of three menstrual cycles.

Calling him a munafiq (infidel), the newspaper has delved into Akhtar’s marital life. A July 11 story is entitled: ‘‘How can a person who gave talaq to Honey Irani fight against talaq?’’

The acerbic essay questions Akhtar’s credibility, saying: ‘‘You don’t consider yourself to be a Muslim, and therefore have no right to interfere in the affairs of the AIMPLB.’’ Akhtar says, the newspaper is using abusive language instead of creating an informed debate on the issue.

But the editors stand by their reports. ‘‘Javed humiliated the AIMPLB in his press conference. He has no right to criticise such a body of eminent ulema. We have done stories with the utmost responsibility,’’ says Saeed Hameed, features editor of the Urdu Times.

Backing the newspaper’s attack is the AIMPLB. ‘‘We agree with what the paper is writing. Javed should keep his hands off the issue,’’ says Haroon Mozawalla, a member of the AIMPLB.

The MSD plans legal action against the daily. ‘‘The reports are not only in bad taste, they are also inflammatory and provocative,’’ protests Javed Anand, the MSD’s general secretary. The Urdu Times has faced charges of inciting public disharmony in the past. In 1996, the Press Council of India issued strictures against it for inciting its readers and creating disharmony.

Akhtarspeak

‘‘One could have ignored it, had it been just a personal attack. The rhetorical tone of the stories may create disharmony. The MSD held conferences in cities across the country, talking to predominantly Muslim crowds. There was an overwhelming support and agreement.’’