A tea stall in Rajasthan’s Baran district has been making waves, not because of its drink, but because of the outspoken claim that backs it. Krishna Kumar Dhakad, who goes by KK, has established the ‘498A Tea Cafe’ in Anta, his wife’s hometown after being engaged in a court fight with his better half.
KK, who hails from Athana town and is a beekeeper by profession, got married in 2019. Everything changed in 2022 when his wife went to her parents’ house and filed complaints against him under Section 498A (dowry harassment) and Section 125 (maintenance).
The court proceedings compelled him to make more than 220 km of travel from Neemuch to Baran back and forth, thrown into emotional and financial misery.
KK Opens Cafe Near In-Laws’ House
In return, KK made his experience into protest. On 9 June, he inaugurated the 498A Tea Cafe near his in-laws’ residence. Not just a business venture, the cafe is a message to society and the justice system. On the opening day of the cafe, KK had handcuffs on and announced: ‘Till we get justice, the tea will keep boiling’.
This statement is now painted across the banner of the cafe and has become its slogan.
He disclosed that he spent more than a month getting rid of dirt from a tent house, arranging simple furniture, and saving money to get his stall up and running. KK declared that he wanted to highlight the stories of men who, like him, feel stuck in legal cases that they say are unfair.
The narrative has made widespread popularity on social media, particularly by those who believe that certain laws are abused, causing the harassment of innocent men. KK explained that although many women use these laws for legitimate reasons, there are occasions when they are purportedly weaponized.
“My wife has to be happy seeing me like this. In court, we get only dates but not justice. Therefore, I’ve decided to sell tea over here and wage my legal war from here. But I won’t give up,” KK informed the media.
As much as the legal burden weighs him down, KK claims he is keen to continue his protest, serving tea until he has an opportunity to be heard.
