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AN INDEPENDENT WOMAN
Soon after her wedding, Leela began experiencing violence in her marriage on account of dowry and her husband’s suspicious nature. She was also burdened with all the chores of the household, verbally abused and humiliated at any given opportunity.
When Leela conceived, her husband and his family were not happy and continued to burden her with housework, humiliate and abuse her. After her delivery she was not allowed to recuperate at her maternal home and was forcefully taken back to her matrimonial home to tend to the household work. Due to this, she became weak and frail. She often fell sick. Each time she was ill, her husband refused to take care of her. She was sent to her maternal home and permitted to return only after she completely recovered. She would return to the drudgery, only to fall sick again.
With time, Leela’s husband and his family’s demand for dowry intensified. Not only her husband, but even her husband’s brother would physically abuse her for dowry thereby causing her immense physical and mental anguish. One fine day, they threw Leela and her son out of the matrimonial home because of her inability to fulfil their repeated demands. Soon thereafter, Leela’s husband sent her a Legal Notice and filed a Petition for Restitution of Conjugal Rights. Leela was confused. On one hand her husband had thrown her out of the matrimonial home and on the other hand he had filed a case for Restitution of Conjugal Rights.
Even after throwing her out of the house and filing a case against her, Leela’s husband continued to harass her. He would forcefully enter her maternal home in an inebriated state and demand dowry. He would beat her and abuse her in filthy language. Moreover, he even physically assaulted Leela’s parents and her brother. Leela approached the Police on several occasions, but her husband remained unfazed. He continued to harass her, aided by his family members. Out of frustration, Leela even attempted to end her life, but was admitted to hospital just in time. Thereafter, her husband adopted another tactic. He surreptitiously tried to take away their son from Leela, thereby adding to her stress.
Then suddenly he proposed a family settlement and offered to reconcile. He even assured Leela that he would withdraw the case. Leela believed him and returned to her matrimonial home with great hope. However, within a few days it became apparent to her that this was another ploy by her husband to torture her. Eventually, Leela and her son were once again thrown out of the matrimonial home.
Uncertain about further course of action, Leela approached Majlis for legal assistance. The legal team explained to Leela that the petition filed by her husband was only a legal tactic and he had no intention of residing with her, which was obvious from his conduct. The legal team also advised her to file a case under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act to secure her rights. Accordingly, a case was filed and steps were taken to expedite the proceedings.
After Leela filed a case under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, her husband again threatened and intimidated her. We counselled Leela to remain strong. Meanwhile, her husband’s case for Restitution of Conjugal Rights was dismissed for want of prosecution.
Further, Leela and her son were granted interim and later final maintenance from her husband by the Court in her Domestic Violence case. The favourable orders from the Court have given Leela a fresh sense of courage and determination. She stays on rent with her son and has secured a job. She is now confident and determined to focus on her and her son’s future.
Names have been changed to protect privacy.
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