Two possible amendments to the marriage law seem encouraging for Indian women. If they are passed, courts will have the power to decide on how property acquired during marriage can be shared by husband and wife in case of separation. The six month cooling off period before divorce can be done will be waived if separation is by mutual consent. The first amendment is important as women are left high and dry after separation or divorce at present. The process of getting alimony is also highly complicated. Women have to prove what their husbands’ income is. Surveys show that 80% women have nowhere to go after separation or divorce. If the amendments are passed, women will overcome these problems. The divorce rate is rising and divorced women need protection.
But laws are not enough. Women should have better access to the legal system if they have to benefit from the passing of the amendments. Besides, the mindset of the people does not change with new legislation. Legally women are being empowered to have financial independence but the administration does not implement it. With the modernization of society, a clash between old ideas and advanced attitudes is bound to arise. Crime against women may in fact go up. The local administration has to deal with it with a firm hand. Otherwise progressive laws –the Supreme Court has been proactive in this sphere-will not have much effect . It is of vital importance in the northeast where educated women constitute a dominant section of the community.
