Asking a Married Woman to Do Household Work Is Not an Offense, Rules Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court recently ruled that asking a married woman to do household work for the family cannot be equated to treating her like a maid. The court quashed an FIR filed under Section 498A of the IPC, stating that the allegations lacked sufficient evidence to constitute cruelty under the law.
Case Background
The case involved a woman who alleged that her husband and in-laws treated her like a maid after marriage. She also claimed they demanded Rs. 4 lakhs to buy a four-wheeler. When she informed them that her father could not afford the amount, her husband allegedly harassed her physically and mentally.
The husband and his family filed an application under Section 482 of the CrPC to quash the FIR registered under Sections 498A, 323, 504, 506, and 34 of the IPC.
High Court’s Observations
The bench, led by Justice Rajesh S. Patil, emphasized that asking a married woman to perform household duties for her family does not amount to treating her as a maid. The court remarked:
“If she had no desire to do household activities, she should have communicated this before marriage so the groom could reconsider the match.”
The court also noted that the FIR and witness statements lacked detailed descriptions of the alleged harassment. It highlighted that merely stating “physical and mental harassment” without specifying acts of cruelty does not meet the requirements of Section 498A.
Court’s Ruling
The High Court observed that the evidence presented did not prima facie establish cruelty or harassment under Section 498A. The court further noted that other charges, including Sections 323, 504, and 506, were insufficient to support a trial.
The bench concluded that proceeding with the case would be a futile exercise and allowed the husband’s application to quash the FIR.
Case Title
Sarang Diwakar Amle v. State of Maharashtra
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