Chennai: In a landmark ruling, the Madras High Court in India has stated that a wife watching pornography and masturbating does not constitute grounds for divorce. The court emphasized that women retain their sexual autonomy after marriage and have the right to self-pleasure.

The case stemmed from an appeal filed by a man seeking to overturn a lower court's decision denying him a divorce. He alleged that his wife’s behavior, including what he described as an "addiction" to masturbating while watching pornography, amounted to cruelty. However, the court dismissed his appeal, ruling that such actions could not be considered valid reasons for dissolving the marriage.

"Self-pleasure is not forbidden fruit," the High Court declared in its judgment. It further noted that while masturbation among men is widely accepted, women should not be stigmatized for engaging in the same behavior. "A woman retains her individuality even after marriage," the ruling stated. "Her fundamental identity as an individual, as a woman, is not subsumed by her spousal status."

The court acknowledged that an addiction to pornography might be viewed as problematic and morally questionable, but clarified that it does not automatically provide legal grounds for divorce under existing laws.

The decision comes against the backdrop of conservative attitudes toward female sexuality in India. Discussions about women’s sexual autonomy remain largely taboo, especially for married women, who are often expected to prioritize their family over personal desires.

Divorce itself is still stigmatized in many parts of India. Only around one in every 100 marriages ends in dissolution, with many couples facing significant family and societal pressure to remain together, even in unhappy marriages. Adding to this challenge is the sluggish pace of India’s judicial system, where divorce petitions can take years to resolve due to chronic case backlogs.

The court's ruling is seen as a progressive stance on women’s sexual rights and individual freedom within marriage.