“You’re Not Marrying a Maid, You’re Marrying a Life Partner”: Supreme Court’s Sharp Remark in Divorce Case Over Household Chores
In a significant observation during a divorce case hearing, the Supreme Court stated that a wife not performing household chores such as cooking cannot be considered cruelty.
The bench, led by Justice Sandeep Mehta, remarked that marriage is a partnership, not a service arrangement. “You’re not marrying a maid, you’re marrying a life partner,” the court said, underlining the evolving nature of marital roles.
Justice Vikram Nath further noted that responsibilities at home must be shared. He stressed that in today’s times, husbands are equally expected to contribute to daily household work like cooking and cleaning.
The case revolves around a couple married in 2017, who have an eight-year-old son. The husband had filed for divorce, claiming that his wife’s behaviour changed within a week of marriage. He alleged that she mistreated him and his parents, refused to cook, used abusive language, and did not invite him to their child’s cradle ceremony.
In response, the wife stated that she had gone to her parents’ home for childbirth with the consent of her husband and his family. She also accused them of not attending the cradle ceremony and demanding cash and gold from her parents.
Initially, the Family Court granted divorce on grounds of cruelty. However, the High Court later overturned this decision. Challenging this, the husband approached the Supreme Court.
The court had earlier referred the matter for mediation, which did not succeed. The couple has now been directed to appear in person at the next hearing.
