Srinagar: Two families, summoned by the in-charge of Kashmir’s women police station here, are exchanging heated arguments in its lawn. “You ruined her life,” an elderly woman says in shrilling voice, pointing at her son-in-law.
The families have assembled after a 27-year-old woman, Shabnam Banu, filed a case against her husband and in-laws, accusing them of subjecting her to domestic violence.
A few minutes later, a lady constable summons both families to the cabin of the Station House Officer, Khalida Parveen. They are allowed to put forth their account regarding the allegation. The session, however, soon runs into chaos as both parties point fingers at each other.
“Girls have to bear many things quietly, especially those who do not bring enough dowry,” says Shabnam sitting on stairs of the police station after the tumultuous session.
Married four years ago, the couple was blessed with a baby girl. “Things then changed and went from bad to worse,” she says.
Her husband and in-laws, she says, used to beat her every day on one pretext or the other. “My husband would beat me ruthlessly. He and his family members even fractured my left arm. Every time I would tell members of parental home about it, they would advice me to bear it and I would follow them quietly.”
Shabnam’s mother, sitting besides here writhes in agony. “We are her culprits as we always suppressed her voice by saying, girls have to bear this,” she says as her eyes stung in tears.
Shabnam stays with her parents’ from last few months and is waiting to get justice for the “torture” she endured. She has filed a criminal complaint under section 498A of the Indian Penal Code which deals with mental and physical cruelty towards wives (including dowry related harassment). Shabnam is not the only victim of cruelty by husband and in-laws.
According to the latest data revealed in legislative assembly during the ongoing Budget session, 747 cases of domestic violence were registered across the state in the last two years alone.
In total, 747 cases, including 348 cases in 2016 and 399 cases in 2017, were registered for domestic violence in the state.
Hafiza, 32, dressed in woollen cloak belongs from Khrew Pampore, is waiting at ADBR block of district court Srinagar for legal aid.
Mother of two kids, Hafiza, calls herself “lucky” to be alive. “There were multiple attempts to set me ablaze by my husband and her in-laws,” she says. Hafiza continues to seek justice as she raises her children by earning through spinning wheel. “I got divorce after seven years.”
From past two years, she is living with her parents with her daughters and is fighting case of maintenance against her husband in district court Srinagar.
“My in-laws and husband say they won’t provide single penny to my daughters. I want maintenances charges from my husband as I am living along with my old parents and I don’t want to be burden on them,” says Hafiza.
Ruksana Jabeen (name changed) a resident of Batamaloo has same story to share. She had to go through regular ‘torture’ a year later after marriage because she could not conceive a child. “Life turned into a living hell. My husband would beat me regularly and I did not speak against it because of the fear that he would send me home,” says Jabeen.
Her in-laws, she said, sold her entire gold ornaments without her consent. She was divorced after spending 11 years of her life and contemporarily she lives with her parents. “There is a general perception that educated woman does not go through domestic violence but the reality is different,” Jabeen says. “One does not resist against such acts because of social barriers and for the sake of family reputation.”
Advocate Rakshanda says that there is a law for a women protection and those subjected to torture must come forward rather than bearing it silently. “Torture can be both physical and mental but unfortunately women in Kashmir are not aware about their rights,” she says, adding, “Women can seek redress for the torture under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act of 2005 and by filling a simple complaint.”
Under 488 CrPC, a woman can claim maintenance charges. “Besides, under 498 (A)–IPC a woman can file a case of cruelty against her husband or her husband’s relatives.”
Rakshanda says that they came across many “unbelievable” domestic violence cases. “It is becoming common nowadays in Valley. I believe not even half of domestic violence cases are reported in Kashmir because of social taboo attached to it. If any woman faces torture from her husband or in-Laws, she should seek legal help. It is her right.”
A senior policewomen officer told to the INS that every day there is to end to complaints of domestic violence and cases are being registered every day.
“Women bear violence quietly sometimes for family or for their children. But they should come forward,” the officer says. “We are here for their support and security. Until these inhuman activities are not reported, we won’t be able to break this stereotype in the society.”
