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Sticking it to the man

Karishma Kapoor’s move to withdraw mutual consent from her divorce proceedings is being seen as a landmark for women’s rights.

Karishma Kapoor’s move to withdraw mutual consent from her divorce proceedings is being seen as a landmark for women’s rights.

Karishma Kapoor’s recent withdrawal of mutual consent plea for a divorce on the basis of Sanjay not complying with the financial obligations he promised earlier has been making headlines. This brings us to the question: Does this act signify her being materialistically focussed on acquiring her husband’s assets in spite of being financially well-to-do, or is this a sign of a woman-turned-warrior what rightfully belongs to her and her children

Artist Sravanthi Juluri, who was herself victimised by an ugly divorce battle says, “What Karishma has done makes for a great example for all women. Usually divorces are lengthy, dirty and emotionally exhausting. There comes a time when all you want is, to get rid of the mess and just proceed with the divorce even if it means getting nothing. This is the best way a woman can make a man accountable for his kids and for what he has done. Letting it go is letting men get away easy.”

One of the largest recorded reasons people knock on the court doors is divorce, as Nikhil Sarup, co-founder of LawRato.com, a legal search engine and service provider says, “We have more than 30 enquiries for divorce every day and a majority of women are genuinely harrowed either by their husbands or in-laws. There is a very less percentage of women who don’t depend on men for food, shelter and clothing; and if these educated, aware and empowered women like Karishma don’t stand up for their rights then who will ” He adds: “She is standing up for what she feels is the right for her children and it’s worth looking upto.”

Divorce, however, is a matter that’s bigger than seeing it from just a feminist angle, as actor Kalki Koechlin tells us, “Divorces are a very personal matter and every case is different. Just because something works for me it may not work for anyone else. Stand for what you feel is right, more power to her and everyone struggling.”

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