Mega Lok Adalat to ensure speedy justice in family disputes

Thirty-year-old K. Sakkubai, a resident of Mallepally, has been running from pillar to post for the past few months to settle her family issue.

Married to B. Raghavendra, a driver living at Kachiguda in the city, Sakkubai’s life became a nightmare within three months of marriage. She even filed case against Raghavendra twice – in 2009 and 2012- under Section 498 of IPC (Dowry harassment) hoping some change in him but in vain.

“My husband became a habitual drinker and sold all the gold gifted to me by my parents. He used to harass me and did not bother to take care of me and my daughter Chandrakala,” says Ms. Sakkubai.

The case of Swaroopa from Neredigunta in Jogipet mandal was no different. “My husband Chandraiah who is about 50 years and a teacher had extramarital relations and threw me out of the home. I do not know what to do at this age,” says Swaroopa.

These two women are at Legal Services Authority Office at the district headquarters to meet secretary and Principal Judge M. Kanakadurga, with a hope that she would ensure justice for them.

“This is just a tip of the iceberg. There are several cases which do not come to our notice at all. In several villages, the sarpanches or village elders give judgements and pass orders for divorce or remarriage. But the victims do not get compensation or monthly maintenance and are left to their fate,” says Justice Kanakadurga, who is very closely monitoring such cases. Dowry harassment, extramarital relations and consumption of liquor are stated to be main reasons for family disputes.

In an effort to deliver justice for such helpless woman , a Mega Lok Adalat will be held in courts at – Sangareddy, Jogipet, Narsapur, Medak, Siddipet, Gajwel, Dubbak and Zaheerabad- on April 11. The judiciary has been making efforts to rope in sarpanches as well in identifying and addressing these cases which would be settled once and for all.