Protest against anti-family clauses in Hindu Marriage Bill

Protest against anti-family clauses in Hindu Marriage Bill


LUCKNOW: Army Against Dowry Law Misuse in India (AADMI) has demanded roll back of the alleged anti-family clauses in the upcoming bill which proposes to introduce "Irretrievable Breakdown of Marriage" as a ground for divorce in the Hindu Marriage Act and Special Marriage Act.
AADMI members, who also took out a protest march, said though the proposal is a welcome step, it has three controversial clauses which are totally anti-family and anti-husband. It points out that in the bill wherever exercising the rights has been mentioned, the person who can do it has been mentioned as "wife" instead of "spouse" which clearly indicates that the bill denies to extend its cover to husband. It is very clear that after marriage, a wife can get out of it at any point of time seeking divorce from her husband whereas no such legal provision has been given to a husband till date.

The bill says that along with allowing divorce, absolute rights will be given to the aggrieved wife on 50 per cent of husband's marital property. However, it does not mention division of wife's belongings and property at her maternal house, said the members. Also, the Bill does not deal with matters like custody of the children, visitation rights etc. Union cabinet has approved this bill with some amendments and at present it is with the "Group of Ministers" for approval before being tabled in the parliament.

AADMI demands include withdrawal of controversial clause and to make the bill gender neutral. Children must be given access to both biological parents in case of divorce or separation, government must first put an end to all false cases related to marital problems against men and the children should also have an equal share of the alimony amount given to the wife by the husband. They said while making amendments in the current laws, the government must also take into account a man's financial responsibilities towards his parents and also the family liabilities should be deducted before sanctioning the alimony figure to the wife.

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