ORDER

This is an application for anticipatory bail under Section

438 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, filed by the sole accused in Crime No.1 of 2024 of Amini Police Station, Lakshadweep, registered under Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.

2. The prosecution allegation is that the petitioner pronounced triple Talaq and sent a notice to the 3rd respondent-wife, and thus committed offences under Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019.

3. Notice was ordered against the 3rd respondent-defacto complainant and it was served on her on

15.01.2024, but there was no response from her part.

4. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for the Union Territory of Lakshadweep appearing for respondents 1 and 2.

5. Learned Standing Counsel opposed the bail application.

6. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that, the petitioner is a government employee, working as Driver in Environment and Forest Department, in Union Territory of Lakshadweep. What is prohibited under Sections 3 and 4 of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019, is Talaq-e-biddat and Anne