The Telangana High Court has made it clear that a husband cannot seek divorce simply because his wife does not cook or fails to cooperate with his mother, especially when both spouses are working. The court said such reasons do not amount to cruelty under the law.
Case background
A man from LB Nagar in Hyderabad filed a divorce petition, claiming mental harassment by his wife. He alleged that she did not cook food and did not assist his mother at home. He also stated that both of them were employed. Based on these grounds, he sought annulment of the marriage.
However, the lower court rejected his plea. Following this, the husband approached the Telangana High Court, challenging the earlier order.
Court’s observations on work schedules
A division bench comprising Justice Mousami Bhattacharya and Justice Nagesh Bhimapakkam examined the facts closely. The court noted that the husband worked from 1 pm to 10 pm. Meanwhile, the wife worked from 9 am to 6 pm.
Considering these timings, the bench said the wife’s refusal or inability to cook could not be treated as cruelty. The judges stressed that working couples must share responsibilities with mutual understanding.
Staying with parents not cruelty
The court also addressed the allegation that the wife stayed with her parents after marriage. It clarified that this act did not amount to cruelty. The bench noted that the wife had undergone an abortion and needed family support during that period.
The judges referred to Supreme Court rulings on separate residence. They explained that demanding a separate house may amount to cruelty in some cases. However, such conclusions depend on specific facts.
In this case, the wife never demanded a separate residence. Her lawyer only suggested it during arguments. Therefore, the court rejected this claim as well.
Divorce plea rejected
After reviewing all aspects, the Telangana High Court dismissed the petition. It ruled that a working wife’s decision not to cook or cooperate with in-laws cannot form valid grounds for divorce.
The verdict highlights the need to view marital disputes in the context of changing social and professional realities.
