The announcement to raise awareness about widow customs is welcome, but it will be effective only when the government brings in required legislation,” said legal experts, agreeing with the concerns raised by Latadevi Borade, 49, from Awalai village in Sangli. Practising advocates lauded Borade, who has been fighting for over three decades to bring an end to widow customs that infringe upon their rights. mid-day in a report on May 26 highlighted the struggle and journey of Barode.

The Maharashtra government’s recent notification came after two gram panchayats, Herwad and Mangaon in Kolhapur, unanimously decided to ban the practice of widow customs. Experts, however, said that without the required legislation to support the announcement, the move may only help the government impress the progressive people in the state.