Unfortunately, there is an increasing incidence of Indian women getting trapped in fraudulent NRI marriages
BY PROF. MEETA NARAIN
The report of the Committee on Empowerment of Women – 2006- 2007 of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs, describes overseas Indians as those Indian citizens who have moved abroad for higher studies or work or are foreign citizens, whose parents are of Indian origin.
In the Indian context, marriage is a sacred institution that unites not only two individuals but also two families. With an increase in Indian diaspora, matrimonial alliances with overseas Indians have also risen proportionately. Many overseas Indians seek matrimonial alliance with resident Indians due to cultural similarities and traditional Indian values.
Though marriages to overseas Indians are like any other marriage, such alliances in the Indian society are seen as promising better future for not just the woman but her entire family. Overseas marriages, like any other marriage, may go through the same ups and downs but the fact is that in the eagerness of not letting go the promising offers, the common cautions, at times, get ignored, which are taken care of in traditional matchmaking. In the absence of proper precautions and sufficient fact-finding, there may be a mismatch of expectations, leading to marriages turning sour. Over the years, the problem of Indian women trapped in fraudulent NRI marriages has assumed an alarming proportion. The problem is manifold and includes aspects such as dowry, concealment of earlier or existing marriages, marriages of convenience, etc. These problems are further aggravated by the fact that though these marriages are usually solemnized as per Indian customs, husbands can get them dissolved from foreign courts without any difficulty. Moreover, the lack of comprehensive and special laws to deal with the issue add to the misery of victims.
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, as per the 12th report of the Committee on 29Empowerment of Women, speaks of the concrete measures being taken in the form of organizing sessions, seminars, workshops on gender issues. Besides the overseas Indian delegates, NGOs, women’s organizations and state government representatives are coming forward to discuss and help in the issues related to the marriage of Indian women to overseas nationals. They are trying to provide better opportunities to overseas Indian women by setting up special gender cells to provide free legal assistance and counselling for women.
In collaboration with the Indian Society of International Law, they have released a guidance booklet on marriages with overseas Indians for the benefit of prospective brides and their families. This booklet contains information on safeguards available to women deserted by their NRI spouses, legal remedies available, authorities that can be approached for redressal of grievances and non-governmental organizations which can provide assistance.
In addition, the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs is collaborating with different agencies like Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, National Commission for Women, State Commissions for Women, National Human Rights Commission, state governments etc. that are dealing with the issue of not only problematic NRI marriages, but other gender issues as well.
