Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): A seemingly simple clothing choice has turned into a divorce dispute in the Bhopal District Family Court. The husband wants a divorce because his wife prefers salwar suits over saris.
The man says wearing a sari is tradition and insists his wife follow it. The wife argues salwar suits are more comfortable, especially since she suffers digestive problems like bloating when wearing saris.
The couple, both in their early thirties, married in 2018. The wife’s parents are from Uttar Pradesh, and the husband’s family comes from Rajasthan. They lived in a joint family with husband’s parents and brothers.
Before marriage, the wife made it clear she would not wear saris exclusively and would wear salwar suits as well. The husband initially agreed.
According to court counsellor Shail Awasthi, a dispute between the husband and wife’s brother — possibly over retirement funds — worsened the situation. The man withdrew permission for his wife to wear salwar suits.
In response, the wife left with their 4-year-old daughter and has lived with her parents since 2023. The husband says she can return only if she respects tradition. She refuses, and he has filed for divorce.
Counsellor Awasthi said, “Sari versus salwar suit is hardly a reason to end a marriage. I hope further counselling will resolve this.”
