Working woman can’t expect substantial compensation from husband: High court

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday ruled that a married woman who is capable of working should not expect substantial compensation from her husband.

Hearing a criminal review petition filed by a divorced woman, the high court bench headed by Justice Rajendra Badamikar observed that there were no sufficient grounds for a woman who was working before marriage to sit at home after getting married.

“Having capability to work, she cannot be idle and demand compensation from the husband. She can only ask for alimony for livelihood,” the bench said.

The court upheld the sessions court’s judgment, which had reduced the monthly alimony amount from Rs 10,000 to Rs 5,000 and the compensation from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 2 lakh.

The former husband of the petitioner runs a provision store and is taking care of his mother and unmarried sister. The woman sought a divorce after she was unable to continue living with the husband.

The petitioner had demanded Rs 3 lakhs compensation and Rs 10,000 monthly alimony. The sessions court had granted Rs 2 lakhs compensation and Rs 5,000 alimony.

The petitioner had questioned the order and filed an appeal before the High Court. She claimed that the compensation provided to her is less and she won’t be able to lead her life.

 

With IANS inputs