Supreme Court’s Sharp Remark: Wife Should Not Spin Husband Like a Lattoo

In a notable observation, the Supreme Court emphasized that a wife cannot treat her husband like a “lattoo” (spinning top) in marital disagreements. The bench, comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and R. Mahadevan, stressed that couples must set aside their egos and prioritize the welfare of their child, suggesting mediation to resolve their differences amicably.

Dispute Between Husband in Delhi and Wife in Patna

The case involved a husband employed with the Railways in Delhi and a wife working at the Reserve Bank of India in Patna, who was living with her parents along with their child. According to a 2010 Supreme Court ruling, the wife was expected to pay rent for staying in her husband’s house, while he traveled to Patna weekly to meet the child. The wife refused the arrangement but was hesitant to relocate to Delhi due to strained relations with her in-laws.

Court Encourages Reasonable Compromise

The Supreme Court found the husband’s offer reasonable and admonished the wife’s counsel to persuade her to cooperate. It also suggested that the husband’s parents temporarily stay in a hotel or guesthouse to facilitate the wife’s visit to Delhi, highlighting the need for empathy toward all family members.

Mediation Recommended for Child’s Welfare

Focusing on reconciliation, the court recommended mediation to resolve the conflict amicably, keeping the child’s best interests in mind. The remark about not spinning the husband like a “lattoo” reinforced the importance of mutual respect and understanding in resolving marital disputes.