NEW DELHI — Indian women’s groups applauded Friday cabinet approval of amendments to a bill that would for the first time grant women a clearly-defined share of their husband’s property after divorce.

The new Marriage Bill will, if passed by parliament, ensure a woman’s right to a 50 percent share of the residential property owned by her husband, whether it was acquired before or after their marriage.

Activists said the amendments green-lighted by the cabinet on Thursday threw an important legal lifeline to women who too often find themselves homeless and with no income source after a divorce.

“The government’s decision is a giant leap in the right direction. It will secure every woman’s future,” said Ranjana Kumari who heads an advocacy group called Women Power Connect.

Existing law recognizes a divorced women’s right to a property share, but the size of the share is not defined and, when disputed, is left to the discretion of the court along with the alimony payment. — AFP