The Karnataka High Court on Monday said a woman does not need permission from her husband or in-laws to visit her parental home and cannot be forced to take care of her in-laws or perform household chores.
Justice Dr. Chillakur Sumalatha made the observations while hearing a petition challenging an order of the Tumakuru Family Court, which had directed a man to pay ₹9,000 per month as maintenance to his wife and minor daughter.
The High Court said a woman is free to visit her parents whenever she wishes and that marriage does not give a husband the right to control or suppress his wife’s freedom and choices.
Household work should be shared equally
The court said household responsibilities should be shared equally between men and women. It observed that neither a husband nor anyone else can order a woman to perform household chores or take care of her parents-in-law.
The observations came after the husband claimed that his wife did not perform household work and failed to take care of his parents.
The court said the primary responsibility of caring for parents lies with their sons and daughters, and not with their sons-in-law or daughters-in-law.
The court further observed that a wife’s commitment to her family cannot be judged by her obedience or willingness to live under pressure. It said any attempt to restrict a woman’s freedom simply because she is a woman would violate her rights.
High Court upholds ₹9,000 maintenance order
The High Court also upheld the Family Court’s order directing the husband to pay ₹9,000 in monthly maintenance, ₹5,000 for his wife and ₹4,000 for their minor daughter.
The husband had approached the High Court seeking a reduction in the maintenance amount. However, the court said there was no basis to cancel or modify the Family Court’s order.
The court also noted that the ₹9,000 amount was not excessive and may not even be sufficient considering inflation.
