Watch Martyrs of Marriage

Martyrs of Marriage is a documentary film from 2016 that explores the issue of harassment and abuse faced by women in India. The film is directed by Deepika Narayan Bhardwaj and brings to light the atrocities suffered by women who are victimized by false dowry accusations and misuse of anti-dowry laws in the country. The movie begins by highlighting the social and cultural norms in India that propagate the concept of dowry, a practice where the groom's family demands money or other goods from the bride's family before the wedding. The practice, though outlawed in 1961, still exists in many parts of India, and it remains a significant social issue.

Martyrs of Marriage investigates the misuse of laws that were enacted to protect women from the practice of dowry, and how these laws have been exploited. The film draws attention to the fact that these laws are often used as weapons to harass and blackmail the bride's family by making false allegations of dowry demands, leading to the arrests and imprisonment of innocent men without trial.

The documentary follows the journey of men who have been victims of these false allegations and their families as they fight for justice. It sheds light on the mental and financial trauma that the accused men and their families face, as well as the crippling effect on their reputation and career prospects.

The film features interviews with victims, their families, lawyers, and activists who have fought against the misuse of the anti-dowry law. The movie emphasizes that while the law was created with the intention of protecting women, it has failed to prevent the victimization of innocent men.

Martyrs of Marriage also brings attention to the larger issue of gender-based violence. In one of the cases that are featured in the film, a woman seeks justice for her daughter, who was killed by her husband's family allegedly for not fulfilling their dowry demands. The film highlights the victim-blaming that takes place in such cases, as well as the apathy of the authorities and the legal system.

The documentary urges the audience to reconsider their perceptions of gender-based violence and the laws that were created to protect women. It suggests that true justice can only be achieved when the law is used for its intended purpose of protecting women from violence, and not as a tool for revenge and harassment.

Overall, Martyrs of Marriage is a compelling documentary, shedding light on the issue of female harassment and abuse in India. It is a powerful testament to the fact that justice must be pursued for all victims of gender-based violence, regardless of gender. It challenges audiences to consider the effects of gender-based violence, and how we as a society can work to prevent such abuses from happening in the future.