Focus now on flip side of domestic violence legislation

New Delhi, Nov 2 (UNI) While the women in the country seem to be rejoicing about the promulgation of the Prevention of Domestic Violence Bill brought into operation, some quarters have cautioned about the flip side of the bill brought and buldozed by a vocal and overzealous votaries in the Parliament.

A senior leader of a national party and a former law minister, not wanting to be named, said he could not understand an anamolous situation where an ex-wife with settled claims will still be entitled to stay in her former husband's house along with his present family. ''This not only creates tension in the family but puts her life in danger especially in the rural areas,'' he noted.

What many people have not realised so far is the effect of the provision to override and side step all other existing laws, the leader said, adding it is a law applicable on all religions.

''When the Bill came up for consideration, there was a feeble attempt to draw the attention to the flip side but these voices were drowned by the boistrous women MPs who wanted the passage of the Bill without discussion. Now when the legislation is operational, people will now realise the practical problems as it deals not just with physical assault but also emotional stress caused to the women,'' he noted.

UNI MCN VD HS1832