Punjab is the hub of patriarchy, especially as we move towards the more conservative cities. Jalandhar is no exception to it. But in the disguise of patriarchy lies legal privileges lawmakers gave women to protect themselves. Privileges like the 498a that have been notoriously misused.

When women misuse the law, it creates a social jurisprudence against genuine victims. A debate has always remained open over the issue, but when it comes to the Dowry law, 498a, less could be spoken in favor of the fairer sex.

Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj Jalandhar screening of the Martyrs of marriage documentary.

Ironically, the first major documentary on the cause of the misuse of the act comes from a ‘woman’, Deepika Bhardwaj. She is traveling through the country for screening the documentary and raising awareness. However, after long, something unexpected happened while screening it in Jalandhar.

As reported by Deepika on her Facebook page, the following happened during the screening:

“Something that I never expected happened today after #MartyrsofMarriage screening in Jalandhar. A girl came up on the stage and confessed that she filed false cases against her in-laws and husband and after watching the film and seeing the consequences on husband and his family of these cases , she just couldn't control herself from saying sorry to everyone for what she did. It was an extremely emotional moment. This girl, her mother and her mother in law were all there in the audience as the family is currently trying to sort the differences. Will upload the video later as the woman was okay with anyone shooting her confession. But this was unexpected .....Still thinking what just happened.”

She would be sharing the video of the same soon.