Question: Taking Action Against Unwelcome and Inappropriate Comments at Workplace | Sexual Harassment. I am a victim of sexual harassment at my workplace. My colleagues have been making unwelcome and inappropriate comments about my body, appearance and personal life. They have also spread rumours about me and one of them has even asked me for sexual favours. I feel violated, humiliated and intimidated by their behaviour. I have tried to report them to the HR department, but they have not taken any action to protect me or punish the harassers. I am suffering from mental and emotional distress and I fear for my safety and career. This is a serious violation of my human rights and dignity. I want to take action against unwelcome and inappropriate comments from colleagues.
Unwelcome and inappropriate comments against a woman, demand or request for sexual favour, making sexual coloured remarks amount to sexual harassment. It has been happening at the workplace hence, it is an offence under Sexual Harassment of Women At Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013.
Taking Action Against Unwelcome and Inappropriate Comments
You should file/lodge a complaint in writing to the internal committed constituted to handle acts of sexual harassment at the workplace. If no such committee has been set up in your company, then you can file such a complaint to the local committee of your district where you are currently employed.
All the offences are cognisable and also punishable under the Indian Penal Code. Hence, after making a complaint in writing to the internal committee of your company you can also lodge an FIR against them. Sexual harassment is punishable under Section 354 IPC, making sexual remark is also punishable under Section 354A and indecent remark is punishable under Sectio 509 IPC.
Filing a Complaint and Reporting Sexual Harassment
Filing a written complaint to the internal committee or local committee. The internal committee empowered to take appropriate action against those employees. These are the possible courses of action against the miscreants on your complaint.
Under The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, the following are the potential punishments for individuals found guilty of sexual harassment:
Warning
The person found guilty of sexual harassment may receive a formal warning from the employer or the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or the Local Complaints Committee (LCC). This serves as a cautionary measure and puts the individual on notice that their behavior is unacceptable.
Reprimand
A reprimand is a stronger form of disciplinary action that may be imposed on the offender. It involves a formal expression of disapproval, often in writing, and is recorded in the person's employment record. Loss of promotion or increment: If the accused is an employee, one of the possible consequences could be the denial of a promotion or withholding of an increment as a disciplinary measure for their misconduct.
Termination or dismissal
Depending on the severity of the offence and upon proper investigation and finding of guilt, the employer may terminate the employment of the guilty party. Dismissal can result in the immediate termination of the employment contract.
Compensation and damages
The victim of sexual harassment may be awarded compensation or damages by the employer or the ICC/LCC as a means of providing redress for the harm caused.
It's important to note that the specific punishment for sexual harassment under the Act may vary based on the nature and gravity of the offense, the policies of the organization, and the recommendations of the ICC/LCC. The Act emphasises the need for a fair and impartial inquiry before imposing any disciplinary action or punishment.
Sexual Harassment of Women At Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013
Sexual harassment defined under the Sexual Harassment of Women At Workplace Act 2013. Section 2(n) of the aforesaid Act defines the acts of sexual harassment. According to it "sexual harassment” includes any one or more of the following unwelcome acts or behavior (whether directly or by implication) namely:—
- physical contact and advances; or
- a demand or request for sexual favours; or
- making sexually coloured remarks; or
- showing pornography; or
- any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature;
You are an aggrieved woman of sexual harassment. According to section 2(i) of SH Act 2013, an aggrieved woman is "(i) in relation to a workplace, a woman, of any age whether employed or not, who alleges to have been subjected to any act of sexual harassment by the respondent"
According to section 2(o) of the aforesaid Act, workplace includes
- any department, organisation, undertaking, establishment, enterprise, institution, office, branch or unit which is established, owned, controlled or wholly or substantially financed by funds provided directly or indirectly by the appropriate Government or the local authority or a Government company or a corporation or a co-operative society;
- any private sector organisation or a private venture, undertaking, enterprise, institution, establishment, society, trust, non-governmental organisation, unit or service provider carrying on commercial, professional, vocational, educational, entertainmental, industrial, health services or financial activities including production, supply, sale, distribution or service;
- hospitals or nursing homes;
- any sports institute, stadium, sports complex or competition or games venue, whether residential or not used for training, sports or other activities relating thereto;
- place visited by the employee arising out of or during the course of employment including transportation by the employer for undertaking such journey;
- a dwelling place or a house;
You should take proper action against unwelcome and inappropriate comments from colleagues. Make a complaint in writing against those employees who are making unwelcome, inappropriate and indecent remarks against you. Along with the complaint you must lodge FIR against the person who is advancing or demanding sexual favour from you. Lodging FIR is the appropriate action along with the written complaint to the internal committee.
Can departmental inquiry be dropped upon being acquitted in a criminal case? The department had lodged an FIR against me for the offence of forgery and misappropriation. On the same basis a department inquiry was initiated against me for the misconduct in the discharge of official duty. Can departmental inquiry be dropped upon being acquitted in a criminal case? Both proceedings are running concurrently but I have been acquitted in criminal proceedings. When I approached the department to please drop the departmental inquiry on the basis of acquittal tha department has refused. I don't know what is the actual reason but there is some malafide intention to stall the departmental inquiry because they want to deprive me from the promotion and also from the ACP.
Asked from: Uttar Pradesh
Departmental inquiry be dropped upon being acquitted in a criminal case: The principle has been firmly established in law that simply quashing an FIR or an employee's acquittal in a criminal case will not have any bearing on a disciplinary inquiry. It is important to recognise that these two processes serve entirely distinct purposes.
In Karnataka Power Transmission Corpn. Ltd. v. C. Nagaraju, (2019) 10 SCC 367, the Supreme Court has held
Acquittal by a criminal court would not debar an employer from exercising the power to conduct departmental proceedings in accordance with the rules and regulations. The two proceedings, criminal and departmental, are entirely different. They operate in different fields and have different objectives.
The same is reiterated by the supreme court in Ajit Kumar Nag v. Indian Oil Corpn. Ltd., (2005) 7 SCC 764 & State of Karnataka v. Umesh, (2022) 6 SCC 563
The legal precedent has established that an officer's acquittal in a criminal court does not prevent a departmental inquiry from being conducted against them.
The disciplinary authority is not obligated to adhere to the verdict of the criminal court if the evidence presented in the departmental inquiry differs from that presented in the criminal trial.
Read also: Departmental enquiry initiated after six years: its legality and right of employee
Generally the department takes a plea that evidence produced in both inquiries (departmental and criminal) are different, therefore, the departmental inquiry must be carried on.
The basic reason for taking such a plea is that unlike a criminal prosecution, where the charge must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt, a disciplinary proceeding requires the establishment of a charge of misconduct based on a preponderance of probabilities.
The rules of evidence that apply to a criminal trial are separate from those that govern a disciplinary inquiry. Hence, the court does not drop the departmental inquiry merely on the basis of acquittal of a delinquent employee in criminal trial or quashing of criminal proceedings.
However, it is not feasible that the court may direct to drop the departmental inquiry but it may direct to conclude the inquiry within a stipulated time. For getting a time bound accomplishment of departmental inquiry you can approach the high court under Article 226 of the constitution. Otherwise, departmental inquiry cannot be dropped upon being acquitted in a criminal case.
Question: Sexual abuse by a boy nine years younger than me. Sexual abuse by a boy nine years younger than me. I am in relationship with a boy who is 9 years younger than me from past 4 years. He always used to give assurance that he sees future with me and I am not his girlfriend but his wife and he will marry me soon. We used to go on trips together and I was the bearer of all the expenditures. From past few months when I pressurised him for marriage he cut all ties with me. I am not able to bear this pain and don't know what to do. He is from Uttar Pradesh and I am from Jharkhand.
Sexual abuse by a boy nine years younger: It's important to recognize that any form of sexual abuse is unacceptable and can have serious emotional and psychological effects. If you have experienced sexual abuse by someone, regardless of their age or relationship to you, it's essential to seek support and take steps to protect yourself. Here are some suggestions on what you can do:
- Reach out for support: It's crucial to talk to someone you trust about what you've experienced. This could be a friend, family member, or a counselor/therapist who can provide guidance and support during this difficult time.
- Report the abuse: If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, consider reporting (lodging FIR) the sexual abuse to the appropriate authorities. You can contact your local police station or a women helpline 181 specifically dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual abuse in your state.
- Seek medical assistance: It's important to prioritize your health and well-being. Consider visiting a healthcare professional to address any physical or emotional effects of the abuse. They can provide medical assistance, conduct necessary tests, and offer resources for further support.
- Find a support group: Connecting with others who have experienced similar situations can be incredibly helpful. Look for local support groups or online communities where you can share your experiences, gain insight, and receive support from people who understand what you're going through.
- Take care of yourself: Engage in self-care activities that help you cope with the pain and trauma. This may include activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. Additionally, consider seeking therapy or counseling to process your emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.
Remember, healing from such experiences takes time, and everyone's journey is unique. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to grieve and heal at your own pace. Sexual abuse by a boy nine years younger is a very serious issue.
Question: Transferred to remote area where no medical facility available to a kidney patient. I have been recently transferred by the Director-General of ASI to a remote area which is also far away from my wife. It is distressing because my wife, who is also a state government employee, is worried about my health. I'm currently battling kidney failure and there is no one available to care for me. I have already submitted representations to my competent authority, requesting a modification of the transfer order. Therefore, in light of these circumstances, I kindly request that my situation be taken into consideration. Can I approach the high court for any relief?
Transfer is an administrative order, and it is generally not a subject matter for a judicial review. Hence, the court does not interfere with the transfer order. You are a kidney patient and at the current place of posting there is good medical facility available for you.
But at the next place of posting, where you have been transferred is a remote area and no such medical facility is available there. Your wife is also a government employee, and she has not been transferred along with you. Hence, in absence of wife you may face hassle in taking care of yourself.
These grounds are genuine, and the department may consider it with liberal approach to modify the transfer order. If the department is not willing to consider your circumstances and not willing to modify the transfer order, you can approach the high court under Article 226 for directing the department to consider your request in the light of prevailing circumstances and adopting humanitarian approach while deciding your representation.
If there is no administrative exigency, then department should modify the transfer order because you have genuine grounds to stay at the current place of posting. Hence, there is likely a good opportunity that the higher authority may consider your request with leniency.
Question: Not getting salary due to issue in my New Pension Scheme (NPS). I'm a central government employee. previously i was working in a govt dept as an mts, and there my nps account was opened by them. after that i got selected in Delhi police as Sub inspector so, took normal resignation from mts. There (delhi police), for the first 3 months they pay without deducting NPS. After 2 months in training, I got selected in central excise dept, so applied for technical resignation from Delhi police. Meanwhile I submitted nps transfer form, but they said that for first 3 months training we pay without deducting nps, and the whole salary will be transferred to your salaried account, and when they will start deduction for nps, I will be resigned. so don't transfer the nps here, transfer it directly to excise dept where I was going to join. And all i got in my salaried account.
Now it has been 4 months in excise department I got no salary here. they are saying that you took technical resignation from Delhi police means your service has to be added. But according to your NPS account, no data is found about Delhi police. No nps deduction from Delhi police is showing in NPS portal. that's why they are not giving me any salary. Now I'm in a huge debt. please suggest me. isn't there any rule to pay at least basic pay up to when the issue is not solved because here i have been working since 4 months? if they make me work, they should pay me. isn't it? Please suggest what should I do. Thankyou
Your new pension scheme records do not technically indicate that you have been employed or worked in the Delhi Police, as there is no evidence of any deduction or contribution by the Delhi Police in your NPS. Therefore, it is necessary for you to rectify this discrepancy by requesting the appropriate authority within the Delhi Police to transfer your NPS records to the Excise Department.
The absence of any deductions from your salary and contributions by the Delhi Police towards your NPS poses another concern. However, the NPS record can still be transferred from your previous employer to your current employer, regardless of any contribution or deduction.
At present, you have the option to submit a representation to the appropriate authority within the Excise Department, requesting to release your salary while receiving an undertaking that you will contribute to the NPS scheme once the record has been successfully transferred or received by the department.
In the event that the authority does not respond or rejects your representation, you have the option to approach the high court under Article 226 of the Constitution. This would allow you to request the court to direct the authority to release your salary.
It is important to note that the right to livelihood is considered a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Therefore, the high court would be obliged to instruct the appropriate authority to disburse the petitioner's salary into their bank account, provided that the petitioner contributes their portion of the salary to their NPS account.
Delay in trial is a ground for quashing of proceedings under Section 482 crpc. I have been facing a criminal trial since 2001 without framing of charges by the trial court. The trial court has not framed the charges against me on the basis of the charge sheet. However, the trial court has taken cognisance of the offence punishable under section 323/504/506 IPC, on the charge sheet. From the last twenty years, the prosecution has failed to approach the court and only a date has been fixed in my case. In this condition what is the remedy to get rid of this bogus trial?
Asked from: Rajasthan
You should file a petition before the hon'ble high court under Section 482 of the code of criminal procedure for the quashing of proceedings. You are facing the agony of a criminal trial for the last about twenty-two years without your fault.
Speedy trial is a fundamental right of every citizen under Article 21 of the constitution of India. In Hussainara Khatoon v. Home Secretary State of Bihar, (1980) 1 SCC 81 the hon'ble supreme court has held that "No procedure which does not ensure a reasonably quick trial can be regarded as ‘reasonable, fair or just’ and it would fall foul of Article 21."
In Abdul Rehman Antulay v. R.S. Naik, (1992) 1 SCC 225 the hon'ble supreme court reiterated the importance of speedy trial and held that:
Fair, just and reasonable procedure implicit in Article 21 of the Constitution creates a right in the accused to be tried speedily. Right to speedy trial is the right of the accused. The fact that a speedy trial is also in public interest or that it serves the societal interest also, does not make it any-the-less the right of the accused. It is in the interest of all concerned that the guilt or innocence of the accused is determined as quickly as possible in the circumstances.
The right to a speedy trial, derived from Article 21, encompasses all stages of the legal process, including investigation, inquiry and trial. It ensures that every individual involved in a legal proceeding is entitled to a prompt and expeditious resolution at each step of the process.
This right acknowledges the significance of timely justice and safeguards against unnecessary delays or prolonged proceedings that may infringe upon an individual's fundamental rights.
Undue delays in legal proceedings can potentially undermine the accused's ability to mount an effective defence. Such delays may lead to various adverse circumstances, including the death, disappearance, or unavailability of crucial witnesses. As time passes, memories fade, witnesses may become inaccessible, or evidence may become compromised or lost.
These factors can significantly impair the accused's capacity to present a robust defence and can result in an unfair disadvantage. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that legal processes proceed in a timely manner to uphold the accused's right to a fair trial and the opportunity to present a strong defence.
Offence of hurt and criminal intimidation are not serious offences. Hence, it is in the interest of justice to quash such a proceeding because inordinate delay in trial is causing prejudice to the accused.
In P. Ramachandra Rao v. State of Karnataka, (2002) 4 SCC 578, Pankaj Kumar v. State of Maharashtra, (2008) 16 SCC 117 and Vakil Prasad Singh v. State of Bihar, (2009) 3 SCC 355 has approved the law laid down in Antulay case (1992) 1 SCC 225; and held that
If the Court comes to the conclusion that right to speedy trial of the accused has been infringed, the charges or the conviction as the case may be, may be quashed unless the Court feels that having regard to the nature of offence and other relevant circumstances quashing of the proceedings may not be in the interest of justice.
Your case is fit for the quashing because the allegations are general and such a delay has infringed your fundamental right enshrined in Article 21 of the constitution of India. Approach the high court under section 482 crpc for quashing of criminal proceedings including charge sheet.
Also read: Accused cannot produce evidence at the stage of framing of charges
Question: Family members can act on behalf of society's members. In registered co-operative society in Gujarat, there is President, Secretary, Tresury and other Members, totaling to 8 to 11 strengths. Normally a share certificate holder who are owning their property are members of such society. But if he is not able to devote time can his close family members such as Mother/Father/Brother /Sister be member of Society. Pls advise.
In a registered cooperative society in Gujarat, the eligibility for membership is typically determined by the society's bylaws and the relevant provisions of the Cooperative Societies Act of Gujarat. The specific rules regarding who can become a member may vary from society to society, so it is important to review the society's bylaws for accurate information in your specific case.
Generally, cooperative societies prioritize granting membership to individuals who are shareholders or owners of property within the society. However, the bylaws may provide provisions for the transfer or nomination of membership in certain situations.
In the case where a share certificate holder or property owner is unable to actively participate in the society due to personal reasons, such as not being able to devote time, it is possible that the society's bylaws may allow for a close family member, such as a mother, father, brother, or sister, to be nominated as a representative or authorized member on behalf of the share certificate holder.
To obtain precise information on whether family members can become members in such circumstances, you should consult the society's bylaws or governing documents. If the bylaws do not explicitly address this issue, you may need to seek clarification from the cooperative society itself or consult with a legal professional specializing in cooperative law in Gujarat. They can provide guidance based on the specific regulations and practices governing cooperative societies in your jurisdiction.
Share Certificate
In India, a share certificate is a document issued by a cooperative housing society to its members who own flats or units within the society. The share certificate signifies the ownership of shares in the society, which correspond to the member's ownership of a specific flat or unit.
The share certificate typically contains information such as the member's name, the flat/unit number, the number of shares allocated to the member, and any other relevant details pertaining to the membership and ownership rights.
Shareholders or share certificate holders in a cooperative housing society have certain rights and privileges, including:
- Voting rights: Shareholders are generally entitled to vote in the society's general body meetings and elections.
- Participation in decision-making: Shareholders can actively participate in discussions and decision-making processes related to the management and functioning of the cooperative society.
- Dividend entitlement: Depending on the society's bylaws, shareholders may be eligible to receive dividends or a share in the profits earned by the society.
- Transfer or sale of shares: Shareholders have the right to transfer or sell their shares to other eligible individuals, subject to the rules and regulations of the cooperative society.
It is important to note that the specific rules and regulations regarding share certificates and the rights of share certificate holders may vary depending on the state or union territory in India and the specific bylaws of the cooperative society.
Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the relevant cooperative laws and regulations applicable in your jurisdiction and consult with legal professionals specializing in cooperative law to understand the precise meaning and implications of share certificates in your particular context.
Can builder ask court to allow him to refund the buyer in installments. Can builder ask court to allow him to refund the buyer in installments. The litigation expenses and agony expenses. If yes, what counter arguments can be told to the judge to force him to pay me in lumpsum. Possibility is that the builder will default in installments after a while then what to do. It is a consumer case. What does RERA say about modus operandi of refund process by builder. Are there any previous judgements on this process.
Asked from: Uttar Pradesh
Regarding your question about a builder requesting the court to allow installment-based refunds, it is possible for a builder to make such a request. However, the final decision would depend on the discretion of the court based on the circumstances and the applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
In a consumer case, if the court allows installment-based refunds, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions set forth by the court. These terms may include the specific amounts, timelines, and any penalties for defaulting on the installment payments. It is important to consider the credibility and financial stability of the builder when evaluating the feasibility of installment payments.
If you have concerns about the builder defaulting on the installments in the future, you may present counterarguments to the court. Some possible counterarguments could include:
- Requesting a lump sum refund: You can argue that a lump sum refund is more favorable and provides you with immediate financial relief and closure. You may emphasize any financial hardship or need for the funds to support your case.
- Builder's financial stability: If you have evidence or concerns about the builder's financial instability, you can present this information to the court. Highlighting any past defaults, insolvency issues, or ongoing legal disputes involving the builder may strengthen your argument for a lump sum refund.
- Consumer protection laws: Depending on your jurisdiction, consumer protection laws, including those related to real estate and construction, may offer specific provisions that protect the rights of homebuyers. You can cite these laws and regulations to support your request for a lump sum refund.
As for the modus operandi of refund processes by builders under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), it is essential to review the specific provisions and regulations applicable in your jurisdiction. RERA typically mandates certain refund mechanisms and timelines to protect the rights of homebuyers, but the specific details can vary by state. The RERA confers certain responsibility over the builder.
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Question: Triple talaq after the delivery of child is possible or not? I want to divorce my wife because she is a characterless lady. She is now pregnant and I am doubtful whether she is pregnant by me or any other else. In this situation the idea of divorce should be stayed. I want to know whether can I pronounce talaq after delivery of child according to the Muslim law applicable in Sunni Muslim in India?
In India, the personal laws governing divorce for Sunni Muslims are primarily governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937. Under this law, the concept of "talaq" exists, but it has undergone changes through subsequent legal developments.
In September 2021, the practice of "triple talaq" (pronouncing talaq three times in one sitting) was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court of India in 2017. This ruling stated that instant triple talaq is not a valid form of divorce and must be accompanied by appropriate legal procedures. The court directed the government to legislate on the matter.
The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 was subsequently enacted to address the issue of instant triple talaq and make it a criminal offense. The act provides for imprisonment and a fine for any person who pronounces instant triple talaq.
I would be better for you to adopt the process of talaq-ul-sunnah and it is still a legal and valid process of pronouncement of talaq. Talaq-ul-Sunnah refers to the form of divorce prescribed in Sunni Islamic law, which follows the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Talaq-ul-Sunnah is considered the recommended or preferred form of divorce within Sunni Muslim jurisprudence. In Sunni Islamic law, Talaq-ul-Sunnah can be pronounced in two ways:
- Talaq-ul-Raj'i (revocable divorce): This form of divorce allows the husband to pronounce a divorce to his wife while she is in a state of purity (not menstruating) and without having had sexual intercourse during that period. Following the pronouncement of Talaq-ul-Raj'i, the wife enters into a waiting period called 'Iddah, which lasts for three menstrual cycles or three months (whichever is longer). During this period, the husband has the right to revoke the divorce and reconcile with his wife without the need for a new marriage contract.
- Talaq-ul-Ba'in (irrevocable divorce): This form of divorce is a more severe and final form of divorce. It is pronounced when the husband intends to terminate the marriage irrevocably, without any possibility of reconciliation or revocation. Talaq-ul-Ba'in takes immediate effect, and the couple is permanently separated. Reconciliation is only possible if the wife subsequently marries another man, consummates the new marriage, and then becomes widowed or divorced from that subsequent husband.
It is important to note that the specifics of divorce procedures may vary depending on local customs, cultural practices, and interpretations of Islamic law within different Sunni schools of thought. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar or a family law attorney well-versed in Islamic jurisprudence to obtain accurate and detailed guidance on divorce procedures specific to your situation.
Can I file a suit for declaration for my second marriage as valid? Wife of first marriage is threatening to take legal action against me when he knew about my second wife. I am in love with my second wife and after taking her consent I married in local temple. We both are happy but when the first wife came to about it she has been consistently abusing and threatening me on phone. Due to fear I am not resuming my job. She is very cruel and can cross any limit to harass me. I am thinking about declaration of my second marriage from the court.
Asked from: Haryana
It appears from the facts of your case that you solemnised second marriage while the first marriage was still subsisting. Therefore, the second marriage is void. You should know about the conditions of a valid marriage. It is established fact and it also appears from your admission that your first marriage is surviving or prevailing.
Section 5 of the Hindu Marriage Act, clearly and explicitly prohibits solemnisation of second marriage while the spouse (wife or husband) of the first marriage is still alive. Therefore, your second marriage is invalid under the provisions of Hindu Marriage Act.
A marriage may be solemnized between any two Hindus, if the following conditions are fulfilled, namely: (i) neither party has a spouse living at the time of the marriage.
Section 5(i) Hindu Marriage Act
You have knowingly solemnised second marriage in the subsistence of first marriage. This act amounts to an offense of bigamy. Your first wife can initiate criminal proceedings against you under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code.
Whoever, having a husband or wife living, marries in any case in which such marriage is void by reason of its taking place during the life of such husband or wife, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Section 494 IPC
Therefore, in the prevailing circumstances declaratory suit is not maintainable. You should try to settle the dispute with mutual understandings of both wives. Don't think about filing a suit for declaration of second marriage valid. This marriage is void, hence, you have no efficacious legal remedy.
Also Read: What to do when in-laws denying marital status of daughte-in-law after death of their son?
