Letter to the Editor

Scales of justice tilted in favour of women

Rose Tirkey

This refers to the report, “law to favour women during divorce” (July 18). It's good that such a law has been made in favour of women. But there needs to be put in place a sound mechanism to ensure that the provisions of such a law are implemented in the right spirit and intent and not misused.

Too often the stringent and well-meaning provisions of the laws governing dowry and cruelty against women have been, and are being misused to settle scores.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, it is a fact today that there are hundreds of men who are being threatened or emotionally abused by their respective spouses and the latter’s families despite their support and cooperation to ensure a smooth and peaceful married life. Unfortunately, when all ‘appeasement' fails, the only option for the suffering husband is to approach the court for justice. But, often, the man returns empty-handed, losing and giving away everything to his wife. This is unfair. A man too should get an equal right to contest his wife’s claims, if she's wrong.