In a bold move against deep-rooted societal taboos, a young woman from a town near Bhopal decided to end her marriage after facing oppressive restrictions related to menstruation. Married for two years to a priest in an arranged setup, she was subjected to archaic practices by her orthodox in-laws, who confined her during her periods and imposed humiliating rules.
Oppression Under the Guise of Tradition
The woman revealed that during her menstrual cycle, she was forced to remain isolated in a room, barred from entering the kitchen or prayer area, and shockingly, forbidden from bathing for an entire week. Despite voicing her discomfort, her husband refused to stand up to his mother’s superstitious demands, insisting she comply with these outdated customs.
A Stand for Dignity
The situation worsened when her in-laws accused her of being possessed by evil spirits, claiming that stray dogs barking at her was a sign of this. Unable to tolerate such baseless accusations and restrictions, she left her marital home just four months after the wedding, returning to her parents.
Legal Separation
The couple filed for divorce by mutual consent under Section 13(B) of the Hindu Marriage Act at the Bhopal District Family Court, which granted their request. Sapna Prajapati, the counsellor involved in the case, expressed concern over the persistence of such regressive beliefs, stating, “It’s disheartening that women still face such dehumanizing treatment in the name of tradition.”
This case highlights the courage of a woman who chose self-respect over societal pressures, sending a powerful message against the stigma surrounding menstruation.