The Madras High Court recently made an important decision, ruling that a wife watching pornography is not a valid reason for divorce. The court also said that women have the right to masturbate and keep their sexual freedom, even after getting married.

What was the case about?

The case started when a man from Tamil Nadu asked for a divorce. He claimed that his wife was cruel to him and said she was addicted to watching pornography and masturbating. A lower court rejected his request for divorce, so he appealed the decision to the Madras High Court.

The Madras High Court dismissed the man’s appeal. The court said, "Self-pleasure is not forbidden fruit." It also stated that if men masturbating is seen as normal, then women doing the same thing should not be judged differently.

The court emphasised that a woman remains an individual, with her own identity, even after marriage. It ruled that a wife does not lose her personal freedom or sexual autonomy because she is married.

The judges agreed that being addicted to pornography is harmful and cannot be morally supported, but they clarified that this alone is not a legal reason for divorce.

Why is this decision important?

This ruling is a strong reminder that women have equal rights in marriage. It challenges old beliefs and supports the idea that women should not be shamed for their sexuality. In a country where divorce is still uncommon due to social and family pressure, this judgment stands out as a step toward modern thinking and gender equality.

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