Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 20:
An interim order issued by the Judicial Magistrate First Class Imphal under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act has united a child with the mother.
This is the first case in which an interim order was issued under the Domestic Violence Act.
Maibam ningol Laishram ongbi Ranjita (26) of Thoubal Khunou Awang Leikai filed a case before the Protection Officer, Imphal West and East against her husband Laishram Ibomcha (31) and her mother-in-law Khomdonbi of Thoubal Khunou Makha Leikai accusing them of perpetrating domestic violence.
After hearing the case, Judicial Magistrate First Class A Naotuneshwari passed an interim order directing to hand over the custody of Ranjita's 14 months old child to her within 24 hours.
Ranjita and Ibomcha married in 2005 and a son was born to them in May 13 last year.
After their first child was born, Ibomcha started harassing Ranjita physically and mentally.
On September 10, last year Ibomcha threatened to kill his wife with a knife.
Again on February 4 this year, Ibomcha tied the hands of Ranjita with a shoe lace and threatened to hack her.
In both the instances, Ranjita survived the threats.
Unable to bear the harassment, Ranjita came back to her parents with her child.
However, Ibomcha came to her parental home on July 16 this year and took away the baby after beating up Ranjita at her own home.
All the time while she was being harassed by her husband, her mother-in-law never tried to intervene or pacify her violent husband rather she her incited her son to traumatize Ranjita all the more.
As per the interim order, the Protection Officer together with the OC of Thoubal police station brought back the child from its father and was united with the mother since today.
Speaking to reporters at the office of Human Rights Law Network Ranjita said, "I was harassed in every possible manner because I did not bring dowry but I'm happy now that I can live together with my child".
Further hearing of the case has been fixed on July 23 and accordingly summons have been sent to Ibomcha and Khomdonbi.