By Faakirah Irfan

In the deep shadows of domestic violence, another injustice often goes unnoticed in Kashmir — one that impacts not just women, but their children: the quiet erasure of a child’s right to inheritance and maintenance when a mother leaves an abusive home.

While society insists on preserving family honour and reconciliation at all costs, we are raising a generation of children who are dispossessed — emotionally, legally, and financially — because our systems are not designed to safeguard their futures.

Ayaan’s Story — And the Silence That Followed

Take the case of Ayaan (name changed), an 11-year-old boy from Srinagar. When his mother fled their home to escape physical and emotional abuse, she left behind more than a broken marriage. She unknowingly left behind her children’s rightful share of their father’s property.

At the mediation centre, where her case was diverted instead of going to court, the pressure to “settle amicably” was immense. Without legal counsel and fearing social stigma, she signed a mutual separation. No mention was made of maintenance for the children, no agreement was reached about inheritance rights, and no steps were taken to secure residence or education support for Ayaan or his younger sister.

Shortly after, her husband transferred family property to his brother, effectively disinheriting his own........

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