PUNISH THEM
The Kathmandu Post
12
July 2015
PUNISH THEM
It was sad to read the news (“Woman
expelled from her house” 8 July, Page 4) at such a time when the women
activists are clamouring about violence against women. Lalita Raya of Belbari
in Morang district was expelled last year by her husband and in-laws from her
house for giving birth of a girl instead of a boy. I was surprised to know that
even after one year, no legal action has been taken to punish her husband and
in-laws who are now demanding Rs 200,000/- and a motor-cycle from Lalita as a
precondition to letting her stay in the house.
She had already paid Rs. 700,000 and two
tolas of gold as dowry. Asking for and taking dowry is legally punishable.
Nonetheless, this anti-social and inhumane system continues to exist,
especially in the Tarai. Lalita is one
of the representative victims of such illegal activities which are still in practice
with or without the knowledge of concerned authorities. We must be proactive
and put in every effort to completely wipe out such practices from Nepali
society.
Albeit, District Court has given verdict in
her favour, both culprits are openly wondering around. Where are the so called
women activists and human right activists? What are the government machineries who
are supposed to implement the court’s order, doing? The Kathmandu Post deserves
appreciation for bringing out this news and I would like the paper to continue
to inform its readers know about the legal actions being taken against Lalita’s
husband and in-laws in the coming days.
Rai Biren Bangdel
Maharajgunj
