It was observed by the Supreme Court that a wife’s refusal to perform household chores, including cooking, cannot be treated as cruelty in matrimonial disputes.
The remarks were made by a Bench during the hearing of a divorce plea filed by a husband, who had alleged that his wife’s behaviour changed shortly after marriage and that she refused to carry out domestic responsibilities.
It was stated by the Court that marriage cannot be equated with employment, with the Bench remarking that a spouse is not to be treated as domestic help but as an equal life partner. It was further emphasised that responsibilities such as cooking and household work are to be shared, particularly in contemporary times.
The matter had earlier been referred to mediation, but no settlement was reached between the parties.
The marriage between the parties had been solemnised in 2017, and a child was born out of the union. Allegations were made by the husband that the wife used abusive language towards him and his family, refused to cook, and excluded him from the child’s cradle ceremony.
These claims were contested by the wife, who stated that she had gone to her parental home for childbirth with the consent of the husband and his family. It was also alleged by her that neither the husband nor his family attended the ceremony and that demands for cash and gold had been made from her parents.
A decree of divorce had initially been granted by the Family Court on grounds of cruelty. However, the decision was later set aside by the High Court upon appeal.
The husband subsequently approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court’s ruling.
The Court has now directed both parties to remain present in person on the next date of hearing.
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