President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday gave his assent to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019 that makes instant triple talaq among Muslims a criminal offence. The President’s approval came a day after it was pushed through the Rajya Sabha following support from BJD and walkout by NDA allies JDU and AIADMK. With his nod, the Bill has become an Act. It will be deemed to have come into force from September 19, 2018.