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