Will Domestic Violence Act be misused? No, says the fair sex

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Act, which came into effect from October 26, has raised many an eyebrow here in the city. While some believe that it was a right step taken towards curbing multiple cases of abuse against fair sex, a large number were apprehensive of its misuse.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Act, which came into effect from October 26, has raised many an eyebrow here in the city.

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While some believe that it was a right step taken towards curbing multiple cases of abuse against fair sex, a large number were apprehensive of its misuse.

Rather, stress was laid on the effectiveness of its implementation.

Padma Singh, member of core group of Stree Adhikar Sangathan, an NGO believes that the Act is a tool for women who have been facing domestic violence more often but their voices were debarred from being heard. "It will not be 'apas ka mamla' (personal matter) any more. Atleast women will gain a platform to stop harassment against them. Majority of the fair sex will consider the rulings of the Act in positive light. There are also chances of it being misused but only a minor percentage will do that," she said.

She was confident that with the implementation of this Act, the loopholes in earlier rulings could be negated.

Manju Sharma, national president of National Council for Women in India (NCWI) said that the enforcement of the Act was a welcome step. "According to my opinion, violence against women is more evident in higher class society. But unfortunately the fear of dishonouring their family makes them seal their lips. I feel that now they should take action," she said. "The fear of being punished could not be the sole driving force behind the decrease in such cases. We could take the example of the western society where these rules are strictly enforced but there is no drastic decrease in rape cases or domestic violence.

Holistic approach is needed in this regard under which the society should be made sensitive towards females and learn to respect them. This feeling will have to be instilled through education," she said.

According to Sharma, the implementation of this Act will be a difficult task since the entire system is corrupt except the judiciary. The misuse of this Act is also possible to a considerable extent, she added.

Advocate Nandita Adawal commented on the increase in violence against women. "This Act has definitely covered such points which has expanded the definition of violence. It will be taken in a positive light. The best part of this Act is to support those in live-in relationships as this aspect was neglected earlier. Women and children will gain through this Act. As far as the implementation is concerned it is necessary to create awareness first," said Nandita.

Rehman Ali, senior advocate Allahabad High Court said that the Act will be misused. "This Act could have its negative impact on the mutual understanding and harmony between the couples. Implementation will be rather more difficult.

The question arises as to who will give the evidence since most of us are not ready to interfere in the so called personal matters. There are chances of its misuse through presenting false evidences.

However, the government has undertaken a commendable step. Lets wait and watch for the outcome," said Ali.