Women are always regarded as weaker than men and need someone’s support or help to live their lives and fulfilling everyday requirements. This belief is going on from the ancient times; however, in the modern era, they have proved their ability and talent in every field which is bringing changes in the mindset of society gradually. They have shown that they are no less than men; nevertheless, there are few women who are still living up to thoughts of the old era and want to depend on men, regardless of the fact that they are more capable of earning their livelihood.
Yes, that’s right! At least this incident proves so! A court in Delhi has straightly rejected a woman’s appeal with regard to the enhancement in monthly interim maintenance that she gets from her husband after divorce. It is the case of domestic violence and the woman is awarded Rs. 5,500 every month.
When she approaches the court for further increasing the amount to Rs. 25,000, RK Tripathi, additional sessions judge, refuses her plea, saying that she is more educated than her husband and hence, can earn for herself. She shouldn’t just sit at home lazily, being a parasite on the income of the estranged husband.
In the words of RK Tripathi,
“The appellant herself is a well-educated lady having a post graduation degree: MA, B.Ed and LLB, and is reported to be more qualified than the respondent (husband). She can earn herself. She is not supposed to sit idle at home and be a parasite on the earnings of the respondent.”
In the year 2008, she was awarded Rs. 5,000 monthly by a magisterial court and there had been an increase of 10% in it in the year 2015. She filed a plea against the court’s order for increasing the amount further to Rs. 25,000.
Keeping the verdict of the magisterial court, the sessions court observed the practical reality, adding that the magisterial court gladly enhanced the monthly interim maintenance taking into consideration the living cost in 2008 and 2012. RK Tripathi added,
“The metropolitan magistrate has rightly observed that inflation rate varies between six and 11% in India as per government statics. Therefore, the enhancement of maintenance at 10% (of Rs 5,000) is fully justified.”
Additionally, she couldn’t cite a reason for enhancement in the amount. She also couldn’t prove why she was wishing for an increase in her expenses and taking into account all these points, her plea was declined by the court.
To what extent is her demand justifiable according to you? Don’t you think that she was just availing herself of being a woman and misusing her rights when she filed the plea? Not everyone is that highly qualified and if she has spent so many years in attaining those degrees, shouldn’t she make proper use of her education and get a job for herself rather than depending on the amount given by her husband? What is your take over the matter? Share your views in the comments section below.