Cooking up a storm

Doctor wants to divorce his wife of 15 years, as she refuses to cook and clean for him and his parents

The Family Court at Bandra is currently hearing the petition of a doctor who wishes to divorce his wife of 15 years.

Nothing bizarre about it, except for the reason: he has alleged that she refuses to cook food for him and his parents.

Threats and abuses

Datta Pukale (43), an ophthalmologist from Kurla, filed the petition in January 2008, as he felt it was better to separate than try to make his broken marriage work.

Pukale alleged that his wife Rohini (name changed) constantly argued with him, abused his parents and threatened to have them jailed under Section 498 A (husband or relative of husband subjecting woman to cruelty) of IPC.

"In the early days, I thought I should make my marriage work and accepted all her demands, but with time she became more difficult.
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Though she is a housewife, she does not cook or wash clothes or does any other work around the house. I am forced to eat outside and get my clothes cleaned at the laundry," said Pukale.

Little relief

In 2006, Pukale had applied for judicial separation. However, the couple went for counselling and they decided to give their marriage another chance.

Accordingly, he withdrew his application. But after a few days, Pukale alleges his wife started her torture again.

"She used to complain against me at the local police station. Some times, she would disappear from my house for many days.

I could not see my ageing parents suffer because of her. So I filed for divorce," said Pukale.

Pukale's lawyer, Israr Shaik said, "The case should not be prolonged any longer, as it increases mental anguish for both the spouses."





The Other Side

Rohini Pukale (name changed) refused to comment about the case and ignored calls from this reporter.

Did you know?

In 2008, the Family Court received 7,526 divorce petitions of which 7,151 were disposed of. Thus, 375 cases are still pending.