Rajkot Man and Family Found Guilty of Forcing Wife into Gambling During Holy Month
A local court in Ahmedabad has delivered a significant verdict in a domestic violence case, finding a man from Rajkot guilty of harassing his wife by compelling her to participate in gambling sessions during the sacred month of Shravan. The court also held several of his family members accountable for their roles in the harassment.
Court Orders Financial Support for Victim
Under the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, the convicted husband has been directed to provide his wife with a monthly maintenance payment. Additionally, he must contribute financially towards her house rent. This ruling aims to offer the victim economic stability as she rebuilds her life away from the abusive environment.
Background of the Marital Dispute
The woman, who currently resides in Nikol, entered into marriage with a grocer from Rajkot in January 2017. Initially, the relationship appeared harmonious. However, tensions arose during the Shravan month when her in-laws insisted that she join in their customary gambling activities, citing that it was a family tradition.
The complainant, hailing from what she described as an "educated family," firmly refused to engage in gambling. This refusal marked a turning point, leading to a drastic change in how the family treated her. According to her legal complaint, the harassment intensified as her in-laws began pressuring her to obtain money from her parents to fund their gambling parties.
These gatherings often included acquaintances of the family, and the wife felt coerced into participating against her will. The situation escalated to the point where she believed that non-participation would force her into a divorce from her husband. Ultimately, she made the difficult decision to leave her matrimonial home in 2019.
Legal Battles and Counter-Allegations
Following her departure, the in-laws filed a First Information Report (FIR) against her, accusing her of cheating and allegedly taking heirloom jewelry with her. In response, the woman approached the Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Ahmedabad rural, filing a formal complaint against her husband and five of his relatives.
Her allegations centered on domestic violence and being forced to abandon her marital home due to unbearable harassment. The accused family members denied all charges, labeling her claims as false and pointing to their own police complaints as evidence of her wrongdoing.
Court's Decision and Rationale
After reviewing the evidence and testimonies, the court sided with the woman, accepting her account of the harassment she endured. Although she could not provide concrete proof of her husband's exact income, the court determined a fair maintenance amount based on the typical earnings of an able-bodied individual.
Consequently, the husband was ordered to pay Rs 5,000 per month as maintenance. Furthermore, he must contribute an additional Rs 2,000 monthly towards house rent, ensuring the victim has a secure living arrangement. This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting individuals from domestic abuse and providing them with necessary financial support.
