In a significant ruling on Thursday, the Supreme Court dissolved a marriage using its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, while raising concerns over the misuse of matrimonial laws by women.
The bench, comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and N. Koteshwar Singh, emphasized that criminal law provisions meant for the protection and empowerment of women should not be exploited as tools to dominate, threaten, or extort from their spouses.
The court noted an increasing trend of invoking Sections 498A, 376, 377, and 506 of the Indian Penal Code in matrimonial disputes, often as a package, and reiterated that such practices have been condemned in previous judgments. "These laws are intended to safeguard women but are sometimes misused for purposes they were never meant for," observed the bench.
The court's remarks came while addressing a marital dispute where the couple had separated after living together for only 3-4 months. The wife had filed a rape case against her husband, a U.S. citizen, resulting in his arrest and a month-long detention.
Justice Nagarathna, writing for the bench, pointed out that the First Information Report (FIR) for rape was filed on the same day the woman was scheduled to appear in Family Court for divorce proceedings initiated by the husband. The judgment highlighted the contradictions in the wife’s claims, stating that while she portrayed herself as a dutiful spouse, she simultaneously leveled serious allegations, including cruelty and cheating, against her husband.
The bench raised concerns over the use of criminal complaints as bargaining tools in matrimonial disputes, often involving serious allegations to coerce the husband and his family into monetary settlements. "In some cases, such complaints are used as platforms for negotiation rather than legitimate legal remedies," the court noted.
The judgment also addressed the growing tendency to equate maintenance or alimony with the equalization of wealth, cautioning against such practices.
The court underscored the need for women to understand that matrimonial laws are designed to ensure protection and empowerment rather than serve as instruments for personal vendettas. It urged for responsible use of these provisions to maintain their integrity and purpose.