'Not marrying maid': Supreme Court pulls up husband while hearing divorce case

The Supreme Court has observed that a husband must equally share household responsibilities, stating that marriage is a partnership and not a one-sided arrangement.

The remark came while hearing a divorce case where the husband cited his wife’s refusal to do household chores as a ground for cruelty.

“You Are Marrying a Life Partner, Not a Maid”

A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta made it clear that expectations in modern marriages have evolved.


“You have to equally participate in all these. Cooking, cleaning, washing, everything. Today’s times are different,” Justice Nath said during the hearing.

Justice Mehta added, “You are not marrying a maid. You are marrying a life partner.”

The court indicated that not performing household chores alone may not amount to cruelty under the law.

Background of the Divorce Case

The case relates to a petition filed by a man challenging a Karnataka High Court order, which had set aside a trial court’s decision granting him divorce on grounds of cruelty.

According to the husband’s counsel, the couple got married in May 2017 and have been living separately since 2019. The husband sought divorce, alleging improper behaviour and claiming that his wife did not cook food.

Mediation Between Couple Failed

During the proceedings, the court was informed that attempts at mediation between the couple had failed. Both parties are employed at a government school, indicating that they share similar professional responsibilities.

The bench questioned whether the reasons cited by the husband truly amounted to cruelty, especially in the context of changing societal norms.

Court Seeks Direct Interaction with Both Parties

The Supreme Court has now directed both individuals to appear in person for further discussion.

“Call both parties physically. We would like to speak to them,” the bench said.

The matter has been scheduled for hearing on April 27.

Changing View on Marriage and Responsibilities

The emphasis is increasingly on equality, mutual respect and shared duties between partners.

This observation may influence how similar cases are assessed in the future, particularly in matters where traditional expectations are cited as grounds for legal action.

Inputs from PTI