A family in Mandi Tekri village under Lanji tehsil of Balaghat district, Madhya Pradesh, has alleged social ostracism and a ₹25,000 fine imposed by members of their community after a 22-year-old widow was remarried to a man from a different community.
According to the complaint, the woman was married three years ago but lost her husband within two-and-a-half months of the wedding. Since then, she had been living at her parental home. Her father, unable to see his daughter suffer, decided to arrange her remarriage and solemnised it recently.
However, some influential members of Bhothe community reportedly opposed the move, particularly because the groom belonged to another community.
Meetings were convened at the community level, after which a directive was allegedly issued asking members to sever social ties with the family. The family was also fined ₹25,000 and reportedly ostracised for 10 years.
Manik Sonawane, the woman’s father, approached the district Collector seeking justice. In his complaint, he stated that he had informed the community president and office-bearers prior to the remarriage. Instead of supporting the decision, they allegedly suggested that the couple elope and pay a “social penalty,” claiming the marriage was not acceptable due to community differences.
Despite the opposition, Sonawane went ahead with the remarriage. He alleged that following the ceremony, community members stopped visiting their home and refrained from interacting with the family.
Questioning the action against him, Sonawane said no one had come forward to support his daughter during the three years she lived as a widow. “Is it a crime to rebuild my daughter’s life?” he asked in his appeal to authorities.
Taking cognisance of the complaint, the administration has initiated action. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Lanji, Kamalchand Singhsar, has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry. The SDM said that if allegations of social ostracism are confirmed, an FIR will be registered against those responsible. He also indicated that all parties would be called for counselling.
Following the administration’s intervention, the family has expressed relief and hope for a fair resolution.
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