BAGLUNG, Aug 11: After Shanti Acharya of Bihu VDC-9 in Baglung district felt it difficult to compromise her life following her marriage, she got a divorce from her husband and received Rs 325,000 in alimony.
In the same way, Devi KC of Damek VDC-8 in the same district also took Rs 350,000 in alimony after divorcing her husband, who married another woman KC. She is now living at her parents´ home.
Cases of divorce, which was once a taboo in Nepali society, are on the rise in Baglung district. Domestic violence, family dispute and extra marital affairs are the main reasons behind most of divorce cases.
In the past, despite cold relationships with their husbands, women would not go to the extent of filing for divorce. But now women do not wait to bid their final goodbyes when the relationship is on the rocks.
Tham Kumari Chokhyal, of Malma VDC-7 in Baglung, has filed for divorce unable to tolerate husband´s abuse. She left her husband´s house after he started beating her on a regular basis. She is now living at her parent´s home in Dudelabhati-5 along with her five sons and daughters.
"I can take it no longer. My husband Rem Bahadur thrashed me every single day," says Tham Kumari. "I don´t need his property. I just want a divorce from him."
Domestic violence has been cited as the main reason leading to divorce.
Altogether 114 cases of domestic violence have been filed at the Women Service Center of Women Development Center in the last year alone. Likewise, 108 cases of domestic violence and divorce have been filed at the District Police Office.
Women Service Center conducts counseling sessions for estranged men and women. Since court proceedings are lengthy, divorce settlement is often made outside the court.
According to DSP Krishna Siwakoti, women normally get Rs 50, 000 to Rs700, 000 in alimony. "Once the case is filed, we ask estranged husband and wife to attend counseling session" said Siwakoti.
"After the both the parties agree on the amount divorce settlement is made outside the court," he said. However, in case of disagreement, the parties are advised to go to court.
The district court of Baglung has already settled around 85 divorce cases. According to an official at the court, divorce cases are on the rise in the district.
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