In a recent judgment, the Madras High Court has held that a husband cannot seek divorce from his wife solely based on claims that she watches porn or engages in self-pleasure and masturbation. The court emphasized that watching porn in private is not an offense, although it may not be morally justifiable due to its degrading portrayal of women ¹.
The bench, comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima, noted that while watching porn may affect the psychological health of the viewing spouse, it does not constitute cruelty unless the spouse is compelled to join or if the addiction impacts conjugal obligations.
Furthermore, the court ruled that allegations of masturbation by the wife are also not grounds for divorce, as it would be a gross violation of a woman’s sexual autonomy. The court questioned the stigma attached to female masturbation, highlighting that it is universally acknowledged among men ¹.
This judgment aims to promote a more nuanced understanding of personal autonomy, morality, and marital relationships.
