The Supreme Court of India on Friday strongly reprimanded a man for throwing his wife and minor daughters out of their matrimonial home, likening his actions to those of an animal and highlighting the hypocrisy of worshiping goddesses while mistreating women in his own family.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh expressed their outrage at the man’s behavior, especially towards his young daughters. They pointedly asked, “What kind of man are you if you do not care for your minor daughters? What wrong have they done by simply being born?” The justices were visibly distressed by the man’s callousness, which led them to emphasize the stark contrast between human compassion and animal-like behavior.
The bench further criticized the man for his cruel treatment of his family, stating that such behavior was unacceptable. “He was only interested in having multiple children,” they remarked. “We cannot allow such a cruel man to step into our court.”
Adding to their condemnation, the justices sarcastically referenced the man’s apparent religious practices, pointing out the contradiction in his actions. “He spends his days performing Saraswati and Lakshmi pujas, yet behaves in such an inhumane manner towards his own daughters,” the bench said. This comment underscored the court’s disapproval of the man’s actions, especially considering the cultural and spiritual significance of these goddesses, often revered for wisdom and prosperity, while the man ignored the well-being of his own family.
The Supreme Court’s stern remarks highlighted a broader issue of gender discrimination and mistreatment within families, despite the prevalence of cultural and religious practices that extol the virtues of women. The justices’ comments reflect a growing concern about the need for societal change in how women, particularly daughters, are treated in households across the country.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court not only condemned the man’s behavior but also reaffirmed the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of women and children, regardless of the circumstances. By calling out the hypocrisy of religious observance coupled with mistreatment of family members, the court sent a strong message that such actions cannot be tolerated in modern society.
As this case unfolds, it reminds us of the urgent need for a cultural shift where society upholds the respect and care for women and children in both the private and public spheres, ensuring that family members, especially women and daughters, are treated with dignity and respect.