Hyderabad mahila mandalis face allegations over handling of matrimonial disputes
Some Hyderabad mahila mandalis face allegations of coercion, harassment and money demands while intervening in matrimonial disputes. Community members and social workers have called for trained counselling, lawful mediation and verification of complaints against organisations accused of misusing their welfare mandate
Hyderabad: While Muslim community elders and welfare groups are increasingly turning to counselling and mediation to prevent marital disputes from ending in separation, allegations have surfaced against some ‘mahila mandalis’ in Hyderabad of using coercive methods and allegedly seeking money while intervening in family disputes.
Mahila mandalis generally function as community-based organisations supporting women’s welfare, empowerment, vocational training and social development. However, several complaints circulating on social media and among community members allege that some groups are adopting an unprofessional approach while handling matrimonial disputes.
In one case, Neha Begum of Bahadurpura alleged that two women came to her house, threatened her and took her to an office in Hussaini Alam, where her husband was present.
“The women told me that my husband was sitting in the mahila mandali office and forcibly took me there. They said they would resolve a dispute relating to the Shaadi Mubarak amount. I was asked to sign a paper. Later, I came to know that my signature had allegedly been obtained on documents relating to Khula (divorce),” she alleged.
In another case, Raheem of Misrigunj alleged that his cousin, who has mental health issues, was repeatedly summoned to a mahila mandali office in Lal Darwaza in connection with a family dispute.
“Instead of counselling him, the women allegedly harassed him over his inability to work and contribute money to the household. He was repeatedly pressured to settle a financial issue,” he alleged.
A resident of Teegalkunta, whose name was withheld, also alleged that her brother was called to a mahila mandali office over a family dispute.
“A woman allegedly slapped him twice and humiliated him. He returned home deeply disturbed and subsequently slipped into depression,” she alleged.
Community leader Mirza Abid Baig alleged that some local women, with the support of influential political figures and retired police officials, were forming societies or NGOs and intervening in matrimonial disputes.
“Some groups allegedly issue notices to families and later demand large amounts in the name of settling disputes. Such activities need to be monitored,” he said.
Social worker S.Q. Masood said there were instances of organisations allegedly collecting Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 from families, sometimes claiming that the money was required to be paid to police.
He said matrimonial disputes should be handled by trained counsellors through lawful mediation mechanisms and urged authorities to verify complaints against organisations accused of misusing their welfare mandate.
