[00:08] normally there would be drums, music, and celebration, and that's the kind of thing that should happen. If suddenly a woman reaches there and claims that the man whose marriage is taking place is her husband and they are not yet divorced, the
[00:21] marriage stops there and then the police reaches there, people from both sides go to the police station and then the entire incident goes viral on social media. But Garima, tell me, when you saw this video, as it was already
[00:34] going viral on social media, what was your first reaction?  Now look Swarana, my first reaction was honestly that on social media we often just see a dramatic video and should not jump to conclusions
[00:47] but we do.  But one thing that is very important in this particular case is that we have to understand that it is not just a viral video but a woman's alleged claim that she was not already married.  There has been
[01:02] no divorce and her husband is getting married for the second time and that too without informing anyone, she is claiming that she does not know about all this and from here the discussion on social media goes in two different directions. Some people are saying that we can understand the name of this woman.  At the
[01:16] same time, some people are also saying that if the allegation is correct then they should file a legal case and go to court and get justice for themselves there.  At the same time, also asking a big question here that what is the law of polygamy in India?
[01:32] But one thing is certain here that this viral video does not prove anyone's guilt.  It is a this viral video does not prove anyone's guilt.  It is a matter of investigation.  But this video has definitely raised many questions.
[01:46] another sensitive point here that whenever there is talk of polygamy, a discussion is held on it, the conversation very quickly revolves around religion, but we have to understand that polygamy is a very big social and legal issue and its
[02:01] discussion should definitely not have been done by targeting any one religion because there are many tribal communities in India where polygamy still happens. related to this, it was polyandry, yes yes it was polyandry, but polygamy is happening in
[02:15] many places in India.  There are many communities.  There are many tribes where it occurs. Under Muslim Personal Law, provision for up to four marriages in certain circumstances for a Muslim man
[02:32] up to four marriages in certain circumstances for a Muslim man not mean that in every situation anyone can marry for the second time without any legal consequences. And the most important thing is that polygamy and cheating or deception are not the same thing.  Of course, just because
[02:48] polygamy and cheating or deception are not the same thing.  Of course, just because four times, it is not necessary that you will do so for the sake of it because it also has consequences.  Yes, if fraud, cruelty,
[03:02] domestic violence, intimidation, harassment or any other offence is alleged in a marriage, then its legal assessment is done separately and it should be done. So whatever is there on all these points is discussed. Exactly and there is an interesting global context too.  According to a 2019 analysis by the Pure Research Center, a
[03:18] context too.  According to a 2019 analysis by the Pure Research Center, a relatively small percentage of the world's population, around 2%, lives in polygamous households.  What's more, in many countries, polygamy is completely banned.  Like
[03:31] Turkey.  Turkey completely banned polygamy in 1926. Then it was outlawed by Taneshia in 1956. Then, in some Central Asian countries, polygamy is completely prohibited under secular family laws. But
[03:47] in some countries it is legally allowed or regulated.  So the global picture is not simple.  There are bans at some places and restrictions at others. Religious personal laws apply in some places, and the United Nations has
[04:05] Otherwise I think social media comments are also making this debate interesting.  I have seen that many people are saying that if her marriage that many people are saying that if her marriage was legally valid and there was no divorce then the
[04:19] woman should get legal protection. Some people are saying that complain to the police Some people are saying that complain to the police , go to the court and some people are also talking about understanding the pain of the first wife. So most of the people are
[04:32] standing with the first wife.  But here an important question arises whether the law needs to be reformed from the perspective of gender equality and individual rights. This debate has been happening in India before and will happen in the future too
[04:46] because a lot of questions come up. And in India too, legal debate has been going on on this issue. In August 2022, the Supreme Court began hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and nikah halala. Supreme Court began hearing petitions challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy and nikah halala.
[05:05] not just at the social level. Questions have been raised before the court several times as to whether such practices meet the standards of constitutional rights and gender equality or whether they violate the rights of the people.  So
[05:19] this story is not new at all.  The debate has been going on for years.  Here we can hope debate has been going on for years.  Here we can hope that whoever is guilty in this case will definitely be punished and the issue of polygamy will be handled with sensitivity.
[05:34] Absolutely and I think this one incident has started many important conversations. Like whether there should be a debate on polygamy or not.  Is there a need for reform in personal law or not and most importantly, how can the rights of women in marriage be
[05:47] protected ?  Well, what do you think?  Should there be a discussion again on polygamy loss in India ?  Is it time to ask questions about this now?  Is there a need for a better balance between personal laws and gender equality
[06:03] and is the legal process the best way forward in this Kanpur incident ? Please do let us know by commenting.  I am Garima.  I am Swarna.  You are watching The Sister Show.