WC zeroes in on eco factor for domestic rows
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2011: Chairperson of Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) L Ibetombi Devi has opined that unsound economic condition of the family concerned is the main factor for strains in spousal relationships.

Talking to The Sangai Express with regard to numerous instances of advertisement in the dailies about 'disappearance' of married women, Ibetombi said financial constraints in running a family is the main cause for such cases.

Noting that cases of advertisements on married women or housewives along with their child/children not returning to the husband's place have increased in the past few months, she also desired that in case the wife returns voluntarily or her whereabouts traced need to be announced in the same medium where they were declared as 'lost' .

Informing that complaints are being received by the Commission on strain in husband-wife relationships including allegations of harassment either by the husband or in-laws compelling the wife to leave her in-law's place, Ibetombi reminded that report of a housewife's return is equally important for there is need to assess whether the case of disappearance has any link with human trafficking.

Explaining the economic factor resulting in strain in the relationship, the Chairperson expressed that no housewife would feel elated when the family's bread winner indulges in excessive consumption of intoxicating items, substance abuse or in other immoral acts, forcing the home-maker to shoulder the dual responsibility of ensuring family's livelihood.

She further disclosed that apart from economic factor, complaints lodged with the MSCW range from extra-marital affairs of the husband and atrocities committed by the in-laws.

While informing that no formal complaint concerning 'loss of married women' has been placed before the Commission till date, it is however informed that during a specific investigation by the State's women panel had led to women panel had led to discovery of a few 'disappeared housewives' staying with their relatives.

Ibetombi also observed that marital problem is not limited only to economically unsound families for house-wives of wealthy families straying from societal norms has been reported.

On the otherhand, information received from Family Court Manipur, Lamphelpat confirmed 35 divorce cases resulting out of numerous husband-wife disputes received by the Court upto June 30 this year.

It is also informed that till date there are 256 cases pending in the Family court with many complaints based on abuse by husband/in-laws and economic factor bringing an abrupt end to marital bliss.

A source pointed out that there are legal provisions for a victim housewife to claim compensation (alimony) from the husband for upbringing of the child, if any.

There had been instances when the husband had to pay Rs 1.50 to Rs 1.20 lakhs to the wife after settlement of divorce case while for husband with financial problems the amount had to be slashed to about Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, the source said adding that failure to comply with the Courting ruling on compensation amount could land the husband in jail for atleast 10 days.

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