Swara Bhaskar Slams Taliban’s New Law Allowing Domestic Violence, Calls It ‘Cruel and Monstrous’

Actress Swara Bhaskar, known for her outspoken views, has strongly criticized the Taliban’s recently enacted law granting husbands the right to physically abuse their wives under strict conditions. Swara described the law and its enforcers as “cruel, ruthless, and monstrous.”

Under the Taliban’s new law, a husband is permitted to beat his wife as long as no bones are broken and no open wounds are visible. The law, part of a 90-page penal code signed by Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, elevates women to the status of subservients and places stringent conditions on filing complaints. Women can report domestic abuse only if they appear in court with a guardian, show visible injuries, and prove the assault occurred. If no open wound or broken bone is present, the beating is considered legally permissible.

Swara Bhaskar’s Reaction

Reacting on Instagram, Swara Bhaskar wrote,

“I cannot believe this. To be honest, the Taliban are among the most disgusting specimens of humankind. Cruel, ruthless, utterly monstrous. This is an insult to humanity and the religion they claim to represent. Absolutely revolting.”

Background of the Law

The new Taliban penal code, enforced after their return to power in Afghanistan, imposes harsh restrictions on women. While it technically allows women to file complaints about domestic violence, the burden of proof is placed heavily on them, with strict evidentiary requirements. If injuries are not visible or bones are unbroken, the husband faces no punishment, effectively legalizing abuse in many cases.

Controversies Surrounding Swara Bhaskar

This is not the first time Swara Bhaskar has publicly criticized the Taliban. She has often courted attention for her bold statements on social issues.

• In 2021, she criticized the Taliban while drawing parallels to Hindutva terrorism, sparking a social media backlash. She had tweeted, “We cannot condone Hindutva terrorism, just as the world is horrified by Taliban terror. Humanitarian and moral values must be based on recognition of oppression.”
• In 2025, Swara supported Palestine and condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza, prompting criticism and calls for her to move to Palestine.
• She has also previously criticized the Indian Army, calling certain operations “foolish,” and at one point praised Pakistan in an interview, calling it better than London, Lahore, Paris, and New York. However, after her film Veere Di Wedding was banned in Pakistan, she clarified that Pakistan is run under Sharia law.

Swara Bhaskar’s latest statements have once again drawn international attention to the Taliban’s oppressive stance on women’s rights and have sparked debate on social media worldwide.