Renting cars, houses and other things is very common in India but have you ever heard of renting a wife? There is one place in India where such a practice exists. This strange practice exists in the inland villages of Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh. In this system known as Dhadicha pratha wives are rented for a period of one month to one year. Such practices are resorted to when the rich men of the village fail to find a bride. A market-oriented system will be prepared for this. It is in this market that the decision to rent women is made.

After the transaction is completed, a contract is formed between the male who is the buyer and the lady. The contract is drawn up in the stamp paper of Rs.10 to Rs.100. The system also allows women who have been bought to be resold by giving the stamp paper. At the end of the contract period, the women's ownership can be transferred for a higher amount and the contract can be renewed. The woman can withdraw from the contract at any time if she wants. The woman should give an affidavit for this. After that, the woman has to return the pre-determined amount to her ex-husband. The woman accepting more money from another man is also considered a breach of contract. If the man wishes to continue the contract with the woman, an additional amount must be paid.

Even though the police are aware of such practices, no legal action is taken as there are no complainants. It is only girls from poor households who fall victim to these practices.

Apart from Shivpuri village, similar cases have been reported from Gujarat as well. It was reported that a man who was an agricultural labourer had given his wife on rent for a month to the landlord. This practice has become a business in some areas of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. In many cases women are sold for a price of up to Rs.500. Many men find it difficult to find marriage partners in some areas because of poverty and poor gender ratio. On the other hand, women are being sold because of poverty. Girls from states like Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal are also trafficked in this way.