In an important and unusual order, the Supreme Court has directed a man to live with his wife and daughter away from his parents. The court said that the root of marital dispute appears to be excessive interference and influence of the husband’s parents, due to which there is constant tension in the relationship between husband and wife. According to the court, this arrangement is necessary to give the couple an opportunity to rebuild their relationship.
Why did the court give this order?
This case is related to the appeal filed against an order of Chhattisgarh High Court last year. The wife had filed a complaint in the High Court demanding maintenance as well as accusing the husband and his family of harassment, abuse and assault. Due to this, different legal proceedings related to divorce and domestic violence are also going on.
What is the order regarding parents?
The Supreme Court discussed in detail with all the concerned parties to resolve this entire dispute. The court talked to the husband, wife, husband’s mother, wife’s parents and their nine-year-old daughter in the committee room of the Supreme Court. The court described the girl as an ‘intelligent child’, who is studying in the fourth class. Advocate Padmesh Mishra represented the husband in this case.
Emphasizing on reconciliation and compromise, the court directed that this arrangement of living separately should continue for at least three months. The court also made it clear that if the wife’s parents want to meet their granddaughter, they will be given full permission to come home.
However, the court also expressed hope that all the family members will behave respectfully towards each other. Despite living separately, the court expected the wife to help her in-laws if they fall ill or need any daily assistance. The order said, ‘We also expect that the wife will help her in-laws when they are ill or in need of any domestic help.’
What surprised even the judges?
Even the judge was surprised when an important fact came to light during the hearing. The court was told that the wife was pregnant. On this, the court gave clear instructions to the husband that he should ensure complete medical care of the wife during pregnancy, visit the gynecologist regularly and there should not be any problem of any kind from the in-laws during this period.
The court also ordered that all civil and criminal cases pending between the husband and wife will be stayed till the next hearing. Along with this, the wife’s parents and brothers have also been instructed not to create any kind of hindrance or problem in the married life of the couple.
The next hearing of this case will be on 8 April 2026. The court has directed all the parties to appear in person, although the wife has been exempted from personal appearance due to pregnancy.
The bench said in its order, ‘We hope that all the parties will comply with our order and will not create any new problems for each other.’ The court also made it clear that this entire order has been passed not to escalate any legal conflict, but keeping in mind the welfare of the couple and children.
Finally, the Supreme Court also expected the husband to provide ‘complete and highest level of care’ to the wife during pregnancy and ensure that she does not suffer any kind of physical or mental problem.
