Recently, the Delhi High Court ruled that an able-bodied wife is still entitled to maintenance from her husband, rejecting the husband’s claim that his wife was a “parasite”. The court found the husband’s argument demeaning to women and upheld a Lower Court’s decision, which had directed the husband to pay Rs. 30,000 per month in maintenance, along with Rs. 5 lakh for emotional distress, mental torture, and depression caused to his wife.
In his plea, the husband contended that his wife had previously worked in a boutique and should not be allowed to misuse the law to secure financial support. He further argued that an able-bodied woman should not depend on her husband for maintenance. However, the Court dismissed this argument, emphasizing that the wife’s ability to work does not absolve the husband from his legal obligation to provide support.
Justice Subramonium Prasad, while rejecting the petition, remarked that calling the wife a “parasite” is an insult to her and all women. The court further directed the husband to pay Rs. 3 lakh as compensation to his wife, which included Rs. 30,000 for litigation costs.