New Delhi. The Karnataka High Court, while hearing a family dispute case between husband and wife, has made a very important comment regarding women's rights and their autonomy. The court said that marriage is not a license to control a woman's identity, her freedom and will. The court also said that household work is the responsibility of both men and women and no woman can be forced to do household work or take care of her in-laws.
Justice Chillakur Sumalatha also said that parental responsibility rests primarily with the son or daughter and not with the daughter-in-law or son-in-law. It depends on the wish of the son-in-law or daughter-in-law to take care of their in-laws, they cannot be made to do so by force or pressure. The court rejected the petitioner husband's application and also reprimanded him. In fact, a man resident of Nelamangala taluk had filed a petition in the High Court challenging the decision of the family court in which he was directed to pay Rs 5,000 as alimony to his wife and Rs 4,000 for the maintenance of his minor daughter. The petitioner argued in the High Court that he is a porter and the amount fixed by the Family Court is very high, he also has to take care of his old parents.
He accused his wife that after some time of marriage, her attitude changed and her interest in household work decreased and even her behavior towards her in-laws changed. The petitioner husband said that many times his wife went to her maternal home without asking. On this, the court reprimanded the petitioner and said that this shows that the husband is trying to control his wife's behavior and choices. The court said why should a woman need permission from her in-laws to meet her parents?