Divorce

Some tribal communities have a divorce law known as Dehri, Hari or Har which is held above all the courts of law. In this the couple seeking divorce takes a twig of Shur Wood and snap it in front of witnesses and throw it behind them. In Lahaul a woolen thread is similarly snapped symbolising the termination of marital ties. In some villages the couple must break a sal leaf into two in the presence of fellow-villagers. In case of a divorce the woman forfeits all rights to the husband's property.

The Har and the Dehri systems decree that the party applying for divorce must pay compensation to the aggrieved party. Among the Gaddis this payment of compensation is known as giving Fargati. This is paid to the Numbadar (head) of the village who takes down the whole case in writing and settles the accounts peacefully. Due to the spread of literacy such divorces have decreased. People also choose mates more carefully now, which has reduced the risk of breakups. Most divorces have personal rather than financial causes. In some areas the divorce procedures are conducted by the Panchayat (village assembly) whose verdict is acceptable to both the parties.