Wife no need to do household chores: Karnataka HC

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a wife does not have to fulfill her husband's demands to perform household chores or care for his parents, emphasizing that marriage does not grant a husband control over his wife's choices or freedom. The court clarified that household responsibilities should be shared between men and women, while caring for parents remains the son or daughter's responsibility, though a daughter-in-law or son-in-law may choose to assist voluntarily.

In a case dismissed by the court, a man had challenged a family court order that required him to pay monthly maintenance to his wife and minor daughter. The petitioner claimed his wife stopped doing household work and caring for her parents after their marriage, and she frequently visited her parents without his consent. The high court rejected these claims, stating that they reveal the petitioner's desire to control and dictate his wife's behavior.

The court also rejected the notion that marriage equates to one partner being subordinate to the other and emphasized that marriage is not a license to control or dominate another individual. Furthermore, the court highlighted that caring for in-laws should be a personal choice and not forced upon a son-in-law or daughter-in-law.

Marriage, according to the court, is built on love, trust, respect, mutual support, and understanding, not control. The court affirmed the Rs 9,000 maintenance awarded by the family court, finding no grounds to reduce the amount.