Thiruvananthapuram: P Sathidevi, Chairperson of the Women’s Commission, has expressed concerns over the increasing number of dowry cases in the capital city. Her remarks came following the resolution of grievances at the district-level sitting. Sathidevi highlighted that a significant portion of dowry-related issues involve individuals from rural areas in Thiruvananthapuram.
The district-level sitting revealed numerous complaints related to dowry. It is important that even government employees demand excessive dowries during marriages. The practice of demanding substantial dowries, which often include gold, cash, and valuable household items, has become a matter of serious concern. In addition to gold and cash, a practice known as ‘adukala kaanal’ (kitchen viewing) involves the exchange of household appliances and furniture worth lakhs of rupees. These practices have been known to escalate into cases of domestic violence and dowry-related disputes, as reported to the Women’s Commission.
Chairperson Sathidevi emphasised that the Commission has been dealing with an increasing number of such cases.
During the district sitting, other grievances were also discussed, including non-payment of dues to staff working in unaided educational institutions, despite the Commission’s instructions. Additionally, there was a case involving action taken against an alcoholic man for bringing his teenage son to a bar. Another case involved three children neglecting their mother after gaining possession of their ancestral property, which has been forwarded to the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) for further investigation. The district adaalat addressed over 200 cases during the two-day session.
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