Thiruvananthapuram: The new generation handles relationships better than the old, reveal statistics with the Kerala Women’s Commission. Officials said that the number of divorce petitions has come down drastically recently. This indicates that husbands and wives are eager to continue their relationships even if there are differences.
Of the 30-odd couples, who took part in an adalat conducted by the Women’s commission recently, only one pair sought divorce. Even a young woman who approached the body with the complaint of physical assault by her inebriated husband was against divorce. However, the number of complaints regarding differences of opinion and ensuing problems between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law increased significantly.
Another complaint was regarding a mother who refused to allow her son to live with his wife. Another complainant was a woman who said that her husband was too close to his mother. In yet another case, the commission directed the mother-in-law who refused to allow her daughter-in-law to join a government job to change her stand.
Officials said that Facebook and WhatsApp are major factors for causing strain in relations between spouses. Such social media also provide a platform for extramarital relationships. The number of victims of cyber-crimes has increased and at least one complaint in this regard reaches the commission every day.
Commission members pointed out the lack of friendly mediators in families who could intervene at the right time to prevent dissonance between couples. The warmth in a relationships cannot be brought back by the legal route alone, they said.
Of the 130 cases taken up by the adalat, 52 were settled. In six cases the police report will be sought and in four, counselling will be given. The remaining cases will be considered during the next adalat. Every year, the commission receives around 6,000 complaints.
Counselling in all districts
In order to guide couples and give advice on other family issues, the Women’s Commission will offer counselling services in all districts as well as open a regional office at Kozhikode. Commission members E M Radha and Shahida Kamal said that the government has already given its nod to these plans.
Frightened housewife provides image of hubby's weapon
A housewife arrived at the adalat with the picture of a knife, which she claimed had been kept by her drunkard husband for stabbing her. She said that her life was in danger. “In my house, I live alone with my husband. My daughter, who lives in another house nearby, recently told me that he was having an affair with another woman. When I questioned him about it, he threatened to kill me. He has also kept a knife ready for the purpose,” she said. “My daughter is a divorcee, but my husband does not even allow her to live in my house,” the woman told the commission and sought action.
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