Can't demand woman to look after in-laws: HC

Bengaluru: A husband or any other person cannot command and demand any woman, including his wife, to do household chores or look after the in-laws, the high court has ruled. The primary duty vests upon the son or daughter to take care of their parents and not on the son-in-law or daughter-in-law, Justice Chillakur Sumalatha stated while dismissing a petition filed by a man challenging an order on maintenance. Looking after the in-laws, either by the son-in-law or by daughter-in-law, should be a voluntary act, the court said. In the case at hand, the petitioner challenged the order of a family court in Tumakuru directing him to pay monthly maintenance to his wife (Rs 5,000) and their minor daughter (Rs 4,000). Can police arrest you just because of a matrimonial complaint? Karnataka HC says noThe husband contended that the amount awarded is exorbitant as he has to look after his aged parents. He further argued that his wife’s attitude towards his parents changed within six months into their marriage. He alleged that his wife was not doing household work or looking after his parents. He further claimed that she used to visit her parents regularly without taking permission from him or his parents. Justice Sumalatha noted that the husband’s contentions are as if he has employed the wife to do household chores and to look after his parents. The court said a woman had the fundamental and absolute right to make decisions concerning her career, finances, etc. “Marriage is not a licence to control, command, dominate or conquer the individuality, freedom and will of the other party,” Justice Sumalatha said. The court further said: “Marriage is not a relationship between unequals. Any attempt or venture to deprive the autonomy of women or to restrict her liberty merely based on gender is contrary to the principles of equality and against the constitutional spirit of human dignity and social justice,” the court said,refusing to interfere with the order on quantum of maintenance. Quote – This court does not understand why an Indian woman is required to take permission of all at her matrimonial home to fulfil her basic desire of visiting her parents’ house as and when she wishes and feels to go Justice Chillakur Sumalatha Karnataka HC

Source: Deccan Herald