Punished for Second Marriage: Woman Driven to Suicide Attempt After Social Boycott and Extortionate Fine in MP

In a shocking incident from Neemch district, Madhya Pradesh, a 25-year-old woman attempted suicide by consuming poison after being subjected to intense social harassment, a massive fine, and a 14-year boycott by a community panchayat for remarrying.

Her husband, Praveen, is now demanding strict action against those responsible, stating his wife’s only "crime" was choosing to live life on her own terms. "The khap panchayat broke us with taunts, a heavy fine, and boycott to such an extent that she lost the courage to live," he said angrily. The woman is currently undergoing treatment at Neemch District Hospital, where her condition is reported as stable.

According to family members, the woman's life had been under severe stress for months. Her first marriage, seven years ago in the Rampura area, was unsuccessful. When she visited her parental home during Raksha Bandhan, her parents refused to let her stay. Subsequently, about three months ago, she married Praveen.

This second marriage angered sections of their community. Praveen alleges that community leaders began mentally harassing the couple over this decision.

Praveen claims that on December 6, a panchayat was convened, attended by community president Karulal Raigar, vice-president Mohanlal Raigar, and other officials, with nearly 500 people present. In this gathering, the couple was fined Rs 9.5 lakh and ostracized from the community for 14 years.

The husband alleges that neither was the woman's side heard, nor was any legal procedure followed. Following this decree, the woman faced continuous taunts and complete social isolation.

Praveen states that after the panchayat's order, the behavior of villagers became even harsher. His wife was repeatedly humiliated about her remarriage. The fear of social boycott and the enormous fine weighed heavily on her mind. Under this intense mental pressure, on Saturday, she consumed Sulphas (a pesticide) at home.

As her condition deteriorated, Praveen rushed her to Neemch District Hospital, where she is now under medical supervision.

Following the incident, Praveen has demanded strict action from the administration against the community leaders. He says paying the Rs 9.5 lakh fine is impossible for them, and the social pressure has shattered their economic and mental well-being.

He accused that such social customs have persisted for years, destroying many families, and warned that such cases will increase if not checked in time.

Neemch Tehsildar Sanjay Malviya stated that the hospitalized woman's statement has been recorded. In her testimony, she said that during the December 6 panchayat, no one listened to her, and a fine of Rs 9.5 lakh was imposed directly, along with the 14-year boycott order. She cited this as the reason for her persistent mental trauma.

The Tehsildar confirmed the woman is a resident of New Bawal village and consumed the poison at home. A report has been sent to the concerned police station.

Speaking to The Mooknayak, legal expert Advocate Mayank Singh stated, "No social panchayat has any right to impose a fine, ostracize, or punish any citizen. The Supreme Court and High Courts have already clarified that such decrees by social panchayats are illegal."

In such cases, charges like abetment to suicide, criminal intimidation, and mental harassment can be applied. Depending on the circumstances, sections of the IPC like 306 (Abetment of suicide), 503 (Criminal intimidation), 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention), and if applicable, provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act can be invoked.