In a poignant judicial pronouncement, Justice BV Nagarathna of the Supreme Court shed light on the precarious position of married Indian homemakers who rely solely on their husbands for sustenance. Her recent ruling, affirming the right of a divorced Muslim woman to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), underscored the profound challenges faced by these women.
Justice Nagarathna’s judgment resonated with empathy as she articulated the silent struggles of homemakers, often overlooked in societal discourse. “Many husbands are unaware of the financial burden placed on their wives, who lack independent income sources,” she remarked, emphasizing the emotional and financial dependence these women endure.
She urged for greater awareness among husbands, urging them to acknowledge their responsibility in providing financial support. Highlighting the invaluable contributions of homemakers, Justice Nagarathna stressed the need for judicial recognition and equitable compensation for their sacrifices.
Her call for financial empowerment through shared financial resources and secured residence aimed to fortify the vulnerable position of homemakers, recognizing them as the cornerstone of Indian family life. This landmark ruling, delivered alongside Justice Augustine George Masih, reinforces the rights of all women, regardless of marital status, to seek legal recourse for maintenance under Indian law.
