In a striking departure from social norms, a family in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut welcomed their daughter with drumbeats and celebrations after she returned home following a divorce from an abusive marriage.
Pranitha, daughter of retired judge Gyanendra Kumar Sharma, had married an Army officer from Shahjahanpur in 2018. Despite being a postgraduate in psychology, she reportedly faced mental and physical abuse in her marital home. Even after the birth of a child, the situation did not improve, prompting her to seek legal separation.
A family court in Meerut granted her divorce on Saturday. As she stepped out of the court premises, her family and relatives received her with garlands, music and dancing, before taking her home in a celebratory procession. Sweets were distributed to mark the occasion.
Speaking on the development, Gyanendra Kumar Sharma said it was his duty to support his daughter when she was unhappy in her marriage. He emphasised that a daughter’s dignity and happiness are more important than societal expectations.
Pranitha said she chose not to seek alimony and left her marital home without taking any belongings. She added that she had been emotionally broken due to her experiences but credited her family’s support for helping her rebuild her life.
She also urged women facing abuse to speak up and highlighted the importance of education and self-reliance for women before marriage.
