Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has strongly condemned the Taliban following reports that a newly introduced penal code in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan legitimises domestic violence and treats women as “slaves.” The reported provisions have sparked outrage among global human rights groups and women’s rights activists.
In a sharp statement, Moitra accused the Taliban regime of institutionalising gender-based violence and expressed solidarity with Afghan women. She also criticised the Indian government’s diplomatic engagement with Taliban leaders, saying it was shameful for India to welcome a regime accused of such policies.
According to rights groups, the controversial penal code allegedly allows husbands or masters to physically punish women, provided the violence does not result in broken bones or visible wounds. The development has raised serious concerns about worsening human rights conditions for women under Taliban rule.
Moitra had earlier criticised the Centre in 2025 after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi addressed a press conference in India that reportedly excluded women journalists. Her latest remarks have once again triggered political debate over India’s diplomatic approach towards the Taliban regime.
