Pune : Family Faces Charges for Harassing Woman Over Menstrual Cycle; Allegations of Isolation and Abuse

In a distressing incident highlighting persistent taboos, a 37-year-old woman hailing from Pune, a city known for its cultural and educational prowess, has come forward with accusations of mental harassment, cruelty, and abuse against her husband and in-laws during her menstrual cycles.

The alleged torment endured over a span of more than a year, spanning from March 25 of the preceding year to June 2 of the current year.

The victim has detailed that during her menstrual periods, the trio of accused individuals imposed harsh isolation upon her. She was denied the freedom to touch any objects and was compelled to sleep on the bare ground. Proper meals were not provided to her in a timely manner. When she attempted to address these issues, she faced threats and verbal abuse from her spouse and in-laws.

Gradually, the incessant mistreatment eroded the woman’s patience. As the situation escalated, the victim was sent to her parents’ residence, accompanied by a divorce notice from her husband. It was in response to these developments that she chose to lodge a formal complaint with the police.

Subsequently, the Vishrantwadi police station initiated legal proceedings against the husband and his parents under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 498A (subjecting a woman to cruelty), 323 (causing voluntary harm), 504 (insult), 506 (intimidation), and 34 (collective intention).

As outlined in Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, if a woman is subjected to cruelty by her spouse or any of his relatives, resulting in severe physical or mental harm or even driving her to contemplate suicide, within a span of three years from the date of their marriage, such actions are deemed punishable by imprisonment for up to three years, alongside the imposition of fines.