Divorce Case Ruling: Ill Spouses to Perform Daily Chores is Cruelty

A two-judge bench, comprising Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Neena Bansal Krishna, in a divorce case stated that forcing a wife to do chores when she is unwell or unable to do so due to other reasons could be considered cruel. They emphasized that when a wife voluntarily performs household tasks, she does so out of affection and love for her family. Thus, coercing her to do chores against her will would amount to cruelty.

The court also noted that the husband hadn’t committed any wrongdoing as he didn’t force his wife to do household work and had arranged for domestic help. Additionally, the judgment highlighted that the woman’s actions, including making baseless accusations of extramarital affairs against her husband and filing criminal complaints against him and his family, were inappropriate.

The court deemed such accusations as the highest form of cruelty, capable of severely damaging the foundation of marriage. The wife’s allegations not only tarnished the husband’s reputation but also caused harm to his family’s honor and respect in society and among relatives.

The judgment underscores the importance of mutual respect and trust in a marriage. It emphasizes that unfounded allegations and actions that harm a spouse’s reputation and dignity can irreparably damage the relationship. Therefore, it’s essential for couples to address disputes and conflicts amicably and avoid resorting to malicious tactics that undermine the sanctity of marriage.

Ultimately, the court’s decision serves as a reminder that matrimonial disputes should be resolved through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding, rather than through vindictive actions that only exacerbate the situation. It underscores the need for empathy, compassion, and respect in all relationships, especially within the institution of marriage.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the India Today}