The Deorala Judgement Glorifying Sati

Abstract

As with Bhanwari Devi, gross injustice was committed in the Roop Kanwar sati case, when yet another session court in Rajasthan, acquitted all 32 of the accused in October last year. Close on its heels came the triumphant 'mahayagna' to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Rani Sati temple at Jhunjunu, the 'mother' of all sati temples. 

'Akhir Roop Kanwar Sati Ho Hi Gayi' the headlines in the Jaipur local daily sounded jubilant on September 5, 1987. Nine years later, on October 12, 1996, the same newspaper's headlines 'Aakhir Deorala ke rahiwasiyon ko nyay mil gaya' were positively exultant. A national daily was more specific: "Jubilant Rajputs across Aravalli ranges in north east Rajasthan drown protests against sati verdict". After all, thanks to the order of the Additional District & Sessions Judge of Neem-ka-thana, Shri Om Prakash Gupta, on October 11, 1996, all 32 accused in Roop Kanwar's murder, some called it sati, trial were acquitted. Deorala's reputation, not to forget Rajput honour, had been vindicated - with the blessings of 'sati mata' Roop Kanwar, the culprits will add.