Taliban legalizes domestic violence as long as there are no “broken bones”-Bollywood voices speak up
Harvinder Kaur
New Delhi, February 21, 2026: Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban regime has introduced a new penal code that effectively permits domestic violence against women and children, provided the abuse does not result in “broken bones or open wounds.”
The 90-page criminal code, signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has triggered alarm among international rights groups over its implications for women’s safety and legal protection.
The newly codified law allows husbands to physically “discipline” their wives and children under defined limits. Even in cases described as involving “obscene force,” such as visible fractures or serious injuries, the maximum penalty is reportedly capped at 15 days in prison.
Legal action depends on the woman proving the abuse in court — a process critics describe as nearly impossible under existing restrictions.
According to reports, a woman must present evidence of her injuries before a judge while remaining fully covered and accompanied by either her husband or a male guardian. Without such proof, accountability is unlikely.
The code also formalises unequal treatment within the justice system by prescribing different punishments based on whether an offender is classified as “free” or “a slave.” Observers say this institutionalises discrimination within criminal law.
Additionally, the legislation does not explicitly outlaw psychological or sexual violence, leaving significant gaps in protection.
In a separate provision, a married woman may face up to three months in prison for visiting relatives without her husband’s permission.
Human rights advocates argue that the new penal framework entrenches systemic inequality and significantly weakens safeguards for women and children under Taliban rule.
A controversial new penal code recently adopted by the Taliban has ignited international criticism, especially after reports emerged that it permits husbands to physically “discipline” their wives and children as long as the abuse does not result in “broken bones or open wounds.”
The 90-page criminal code, signed by Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, has triggered widespread alarm among human rights advocates and public figures around the world.
Among the loudest voices condemning the law is Bollywood actor Swara Bhasker, who took to Instagram to express her fury at the provisions. In a post shared on February 20, she called the code “unf**king-believable” and the Taliban “absolute monsters,” describing the move as “an insult to humanity and to the religion they claim to represent.” Swara’s handle on X (formerly Twitter) is @ReallySwara, where she amplified reports and criticised the regime’s stance on women’s rights.
Actor and host Gauahar Khan also voiced her disapproval on social media, describing the development as “disgusting,” while actor Nandish Sandhu questioned the logic behind permitting such practices under any code of law. Both shared their reactions on platforms including X and Instagram in response to global coverage of the issue.
Rights groups argue the penal code fundamentally weakens legal protections for women and embeds systemic inequality — for example, requiring women to show injury evidence before a judge while remaining fully covered and accompanied by a male guardian in order to pursue a case. Critics also highlight provisions that could criminalise women for visiting relatives without their husband’s permission, carrying penalties of up to three mont