A 23-year-old woman from Jammu and Kashmir got what is arguably the highest divorce compensation in the state from her estranged husband— Rs 50 lakh.

But things were not easy for Tahmina whose husband, Tassaduq, stayed in Saudi Arabia while she was reportedly tortured by her mother-in-law in Srinagar for two years.

It was only after the intervention of the Women’s Commission in India and some severe action taken by the Saudi Government that decision came in her favour,” said the Commission’s Secretary Hafiza Muzaffar.

Initially, the in-laws didn’t even respond to their notices, she said. However, things changed when the Commission took up the matter with the Saudi Government where the boy and his father were working, she adds.

Tahmina had an arranged marriage with Tassaduq, who was settled with his doctor father in Saudi Arabia. Tahmina’s parents were told that Tassaduq had an MCA degree and was employed as an engineer in that country.

The girl, who also had an MCA degree, was unemployed when the marriage was fixed. They were engaged for over a year and during this time, relations between the two families were smooth.

Marriage was solemnised two years ago. Her husband remained with her only for a month in Srinagar. Tassaduq returned to Saudi Arabia, promising to take Tahmina as soon as the visa formalities were over.

Tahmina stayed on only to be mentally tortured by her mother-in-law in Srinagar who harassed her for dowry, stated the Commission report.

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