Karnataka High Court rules husbands cannot command wives to do chores

The Karnataka High Court has ruled that a husband cannot command or demand that his wife perform household chores or look after his parents. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha observed that household activities should be shared equally between men and women.

The court noted that the primary duty to care for parents rests with the son or daughter, rather than the daughter-in-law, and that caring for in-laws should be a voluntary act rather than one performed under force. Additionally, the court questioned why women are often expected to seek permission from members of their matrimonial home to visit their own parents.

These observations were made while dismissing a revision petition filed by a man challenging a family court order to pay ₹9,000 in monthly maintenance to his estranged wife and daughter. The husband had argued that his wife failed to perform domestic duties and visited her parents without permission. The court characterized these arguments as reflecting a desire to control and command the wife's individuality and freedom.