In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court of India addressed the misuse of strict legal provisions in matrimonial disputes and emphasized that the laws are meant for the welfare of women, not for extortion or coercion of their husbands. Justices B V Nagarathna and Pankaj Mithal made the observations while dissolving a marriage on the grounds of irretrievable breakdown.
The court noted that while laws such as those under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including provisions for rape, criminal intimidation, and subjecting a married woman to cruelty, are intended to protect and empower women, they are sometimes used for purposes that go beyond their original intent. The bench warned that such provisions should not be exploited as tools for threats, domineering behavior, or extortion.
Key Observations by the Court:
- Protective Laws for Women: The court highlighted that the legal provisions related to matrimonial disputes are meant to protect women and should not be used to punish or manipulate the husband.
- Impact of False Complaints: The justices noted that some women, along with their families, use criminal complaints as leverage for negotiations, often focusing on monetary demands. The court condemned the quick action by police, who sometimes arrest husbands or their relatives, including elderly family members, based on such complaints.
- Ego and Reputation in Matrimonial Disputes: The court acknowledged that minor marital disputes often escalate into large-scale legal and personal battles, damaging relationships and reputations to the extent that reconciliation becomes impossible.
- Alimony and Wealth Equalization: The bench observed that many claims for alimony are not just based on the need for support but are sometimes aimed at equalizing wealth between spouses. In the case at hand, the wife had demanded alimony based on the husband’s significant wealth. However, the court questioned whether such demands would be made if the husband’s financial situation changed.
The Alimony Settlement:
In this particular case, the husband was ordered to pay Rs 12 crore as permanent alimony, which was a full and final settlement for all claims. The court noted that while the wife had requested an amount commensurate with the husband’s wealth, the demand was adjusted to Rs 10 crore by the family court, with an additional Rs 2 crore for the wife to acquire a new flat.
Quashing of Criminal Cases:
The Supreme Court also quashed the criminal cases that the wife had filed against the husband, marking a conclusion to the ongoing legal battles.
Court’s Final Remarks:
The justices stressed that fixing alimony or maintenance requires consideration of various factors, and there is no universal formula. The decision ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of each case, and the wealth or status of a spouse should not be the sole basis for such claims.
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