Court Highlights Strength, Dignity, and Cultural Values
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has lauded a woman for exemplifying the virtues of an “ideal Indian wife” rooted in Dharma, after she chose to live with her in-laws for nearly 20 years despite being deserted by her husband.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Vivek Rusia and Binod Kumar Dwivedi commended the woman’s loyalty, saying she embodied the qualities of a “typical Indian woman” who strives to preserve family life. The judges observed that, in Hindu tradition, marriage is a sacred and eternal bond, not merely a contract, and an ideal wife upholds strength, dignity, and cultural values even when faced with personal hardship.
The court noted that the woman did not seek sympathy or public attention for her suffering. Instead, she demonstrated resilience, maintaining marital symbols like the Mangalsutra and Sindoor, reflecting her view of marriage as a Sanskara — an indelible sacrament.
Case Background
The ruling came while hearing a husband’s appeal against a trial court order that had rejected his petition for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act on grounds of cruelty and desertion.
The husband claimed that since their marriage in 1998, his wife had disliked him, accused him of drinking, and alleged that he had illicit relationships. He said she showed no interest in married life, refused cohabitation, and avoided living with him during his postings. According to him, they had been living separately since 2006.
The wife, however, denied all allegations. She maintained that she was always ready to fulfil her marital duties and had continued to live in the matrimonial home, taking care of her in-laws. She accused her husband of abandoning her for another relationship and filing for divorce only after being confronted about it.
Court’s Observations
The Bench found the wife’s testimony credible, noting that she had never left her in-laws’ house or filed any criminal complaints that could damage her husband’s career. Her actions, the judges said, reflected tolerance, respect, and a commitment to her role as a wife and daughter-in-law.
“The respondent did not forsake her matrimonial home, nor did she act vindictively. She maintained her dignity and fulfilled her responsibilities, proving her strength of character,” the court observed.
The judges concluded that the husband’s claims were “false and concocted” and that there was no evidence of cruelty or abandonment by the wife. Instead, it was the husband who inflicted cruelty by deserting her without justification.
Verdict
Dismissing the appeal, the court upheld the trial court’s decision to deny the divorce, praising the woman’s determination and endurance as representative of the cultural and moral ideals associated with marriage in Indian society.
