Pune Judge Questions Woman’s Marital Status Over Absence of Mangalsutra and Bindi

During a mediation session in a Pune district court, a judge questioned a woman involved in a domestic violence case about her lack of traditional marital symbols.

The judge remarked, "I can see that you are not wearing a mangalsutra and bindi. If you don't behave like a married woman, why would your husband show any interest in you?"

In another case, the judge advised a woman to be "flexible" in financial disputes, stating that a rich man may marry a maid, but a wealthy woman wouldn't marry a lower-earning man.

Ankur R. Jahagirdar, in a viral LinkedIn post, also noted that such remarks are common and often go unchallenged in district courts.