Is asking a working wife to share household expenses cruelty? The Calcutta High Court has drawn a clear line, holding that such expectations are part of mutual responsibility in marriage and cannot be stretched into criminal charges of harassment.
The case stemmed from complaints filed by a Geological Survey of India (GSI) employee against her husband, also with the GSI, and his parents. She alleged that she was pressured to pay EMIs for a jointly purchased flat, compelled to buy essentials online during the Covid-19 lockdown, and mocked for her caste and social background. She further claimed that the family failed to provide adequate food, clothes, and medicines for her and her child.
Justice Ajay Kumar Gupta, however, quashed the criminal proceedings under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (IPC), as well as the charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Court held that “it is inherent in conjugal life that both spouses are expected to maintain mutual respect, share responsibilities and contribute to the welfare of society.”
The Bench emphasized that routine expectations, such as sharing expenses, managing EMIs, feeding a child, or handling daily household responsibilities, do not amount to “cruelty” under law. It also noted that the alleged caste remarks were not made in public and therefore did not attract the provisions of the SC/ST Act.
While reiterating the settled principles, the Court added, “Not every instance of discord amounts to cruelty within the meaning of Section 498A IPC.”
Picture Source :
