Not fasting on karwa chauth not grounds for divorce, says Delhi High Court

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has made a significant ruling, emphasising that personal choices regarding fasting on Karwa Chauth or holding different religious beliefs should not be considered reasons for divorce.

The court stressed the importance of individual preferences and choices in marital relationships.

In a plea filed by a woman contesting a family court's decision to grant divorce to a couple, the Delhi High Court asserted that not observing the Karwa Chauth fast cannot be deemed as an act of cruelty. Additionally, having diverse religious beliefs or not fulfilling certain religious duties does not constitute grounds for severing marital ties.

The case involved a couple who married in 2009 and had a daughter in 2011. The husband alleged that his wife displayed indifference from the beginning of their marriage and showed no interest in fulfilling her marital responsibilities. He highlighted an incident where his wife chose not to fast on Karwa Chauth because he hadn't recharged her phone.

Another incident cited was when the husband suffered a slipped disc, and instead of caring for him, the wife removed her vermilion, broke bangles, and dressed in white, symbolising widowhood.

The court concluded that the wife's behaviour, particularly her decision to disregard prevalent Hindu rituals signifying love and respect for her husband, indicated a lack of respect for the marital bond. Additionally, the wife had filed criminal complaints against her husband and his elderly parents, lacking justification for these allegations.

Highlighting that the wife left the matrimonial home within a short period after marriage without making attempts at reconciliation or returning, the court underscored the significance of personal conduct and efforts toward resolving marital discord.