Supreme Court Emphasizes Equal Household Responsibilities in Marriage

Supreme Court's Stance on Marital Duties

New Delhi: On Friday, the Supreme Court asserted that husbands must share household responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry, emphasizing that marriage is a partnership, not a service arrangement.

This statement was made by a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta while reviewing a petition from a man contesting a Karnataka High Court ruling.

The high court had overturned a trial court's decision that had granted the man a divorce based on claims of cruelty.

During the proceedings, the man's lawyer indicated that mediation efforts had failed.

The couple, who married in May 2017, has been living apart since 2019.

The lawyer stated, "I seek a divorce. The trial court had previously granted it on the basis of cruelty."

The bench inquired about the specifics of the alleged cruelty.

The man's counsel claimed that the woman had behaved improperly and neglected cooking.

"You must share these responsibilities equally. Cooking, cleaning, and washing are all part of it. Times have changed," Justice Nath remarked, agreeing with the high court's view that this did not constitute cruelty.

"You are not marrying a maid; you are marrying a life partner," Justice Mehta added.

It was noted that both individuals are employed at a government school.

"We would like to hear from both parties in person. Please bring them in," the bench requested.

The case has been scheduled for a hearing on April 27, with both parties instructed to attend.