“Wife is not a maid”: Supreme Court to man seeking divorce over household chores
The Supreme Court of India recently ruled that a wife’s refusal to perform household chores like cooking or cleaning does not constitute cruelty grounds for divorce. This observation came during an appeal hearing on March 19, 2026, before Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta.
The husband, married in May 2017, sought divorce alleging cruelty, including his wife’s failure to handle domestic duties shortly after marriage and use of abusive language toward him and his family. A trial court initially granted divorce, but the Karnataka High Court overturned it, prompting the Supreme Court appeal. The couple has an eight-year-old child living with the mother.
The bench emphasized modern marital equality, stating: “Husband must equally participate in cooking, cleaning, washing, everything. Today’s times are different. You are not marrying a maid. You are marrying a life partner.” Justices noted such expectations are outdated and shared chores are now standard. The court directed both parties to appear in person for the next hearing.
