New Delhi: Emphasising the concept of shared responsibilities in marriage, the Supreme Court said that a wife is not obligated to perform household chores, and such refusal cannot be considered cruelty.
During the hearing, Justice Sandeep Mehta remarked, “You’re not marrying a maid, you’re marrying a life partner,” highlighting that marriage is a partnership based on mutual respect and shared duties. Justice Vikram Nath also pointed out that in today’s times, husbands are equally expected to contribute to household responsibilities such as cooking and daily chores.
The
case pertains to a couple married in 2017, who have an eight-year-old son. The
husband had approached the court seeking divorce, alleging that his wife’s
behaviour changed within a week of marriage. He claimed that she mistreated him
and his family, used abusive language, refused to cook, and did not invite him
to their child’s cradle ceremony.
The
wife, however, denied the allegations and stated that she had gone to her
parental home for childbirth with the consent of her husband and his family.
She further alleged that her in-laws did not attend the ceremony and demanded
cash and gold from her family.
Initially,
a Family Court granted divorce on the grounds of cruelty. However, the High
Court later set aside the order, prompting the husband to approach the Supreme
Court.
The
apex court noted that earlier mediation efforts between the parties had failed
and has now directed both individuals to appear in person at the next hearing.
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