September 14, 2009

Mothers-in-law gather strength

Mothers-in-law gather strength

BANGALORE: Are you a regular viewer of saas-bahu soaps and taken in by vampish mother-in-laws portrayed on screen? It's not always so in real life. The truth is, not only bahus are victims and traumatized by saas - even the mother-in-law is at the receiving end.

There is evidence: the All India Mother-In-Law Forum was launched on September 6 this year. Forum coordinator Neena Dhuli, who was a victimized mother-in-law, was accused of dowry harassment and is still fighting a related legal battle.

The Forum, possibly a first of its kind, has gathered 50 members across India. It will help mothers-in-law globally who are falling prey to a one-sided legal system, which often favours daughters-in-law. The Forum will also organize dharnas to make citizens and government aware of the real issue.

Forum members will meet every Sunday at Cubbon Park at 11 am.

"The present legal system has no provision for mothers-in-law. Being a victim, I can understand the limitations. The bride and her family members take undue advantage of the provisions made by the government for empowerment and protection of women," Neena pointed out.

"We're receiving 50 calls every day since the Forum was launched," she added.

Neena's son, Virag R Dhulia, was married in 2007. Her daughter-in-law filed cases against Neena and family in September for dowry harassment and domestic violence.

"The cases are pending. We're suffering for no reason. My daughter-in-law wanted financial possession of our family and planned these cases," she alleged.

Founder-member of the Forum includes Mamta Naik, Sahira Shiggaon and Rajeshwari, who have suffered under similar circumstances.

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