There are two partners formed during marriage:the wife and the husband.In turn, this relationship results in additional relationships.Moreover, this relationship makes various arrangements of privileges and commitments that outcome from this relationship.Together, they make up “Conjugal Rights” and are basically what make a marriage work.”The right to remain together” is the literal translation of the term “Conjugal Rights”[4].
In most cases, each spouse should be there for the other during difficult times, comfort them, and love them. If one of the partners leaves without good reason, the aggrieved party can sue the court for justice. In matrimonial law, only conjugal rights can be restored.
Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955 applies to Hindu marriages. If an aggrieved party withdraws from their spouse’s society without a reasonable excuse, they can ask the district court to restore their conjugal rights. When the court is satisfied that the claims made in the petition are true and there are no legal grounds for refusing, it can decide to grant conjugal rights.5] If a suit for restitution of conjugal rights is successful and one spouse violates the couple’s conjugal rights, the couple must remain together. Section 9, or the marriage-saving clause, is also implied. The privy council used this method for the first time in India in Moonshee Bazloor v. Shamsoonaissa Begum[6].However, this conjugal rights restitution matrimonial remedy has been abolished in England since 1970.
There are three requirements that must be met for Section 9[8] to apply.
- A party’s withdrawal from the other must be without justification.
- Restitution of marriage privileges, according to the argument, blatantly infringes on the wife’s right to privacy.
- Couples who have been injured must apply for restitution. Section 9 of the Constitution is constitutionally valid.
Gobind v. State of M.P.[10] dealt with the same issue as Kharak Singh, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in Kharak Singh vs. State of UP[9] that privacy is essential to personal liberty. The right to privacy is a component of the right to liberty, according to the Supreme Court.
From a judicial standpoint, approach Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, which deals with the restoration of conjugal rights, has been ruled unconstitutional. By requiring the wife to live with her husband, this decree clearly violates the wife’s right to privacy. In Harvinder Kaur v. Harminder Singh[12], the court confirmed Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act as fully enforceable. v. Saroj RaniThis ratio was upheld by S.K. Chadha.
Abolition of slavery – Article 19(1)(c) Residency and settlement in any part of India – Article 19(1)(e) are violations of conjugal rights.
19 (1) (g) Associational freedom infringement The matrimonial remedy of restitution of conjugal rights in our country violates a citizen’s freedom of association because a wife is forced to associate with her husband against her will. In Huhhram v. Misri Bai[14], the wife was forced to pay the restitution. Even though the wife made it abundantly clear that she did not want to live with her husband, the court nonetheless decided in his favor. In the 15th Atma Ram v. Narbada Dev case, the wife prevailed.
Denying the right to choose a profession and live anywhere Freedom to choose a profession is a fundamental right in our culture. A person may be forced to live with their partner without their consent or general interest when conjugal rights are restored. It appears that this right to freely live and work in any field has been violated. Courts have endeavored to give a cure a few times. “In Harvinder Kaur v. State[16], the Supreme Court stated, “Introducing the Constitution in the home is like introducing a bill in a China shop.”
Restitution of marriage rights is a highly contentious and contentious issue that merits improvements. While some believe it is to preserve the marriage, others argue that if the other party is not interested, it is pointless to force them to stay with the aggrieved party. Changing something is always a good way to make improvements.
Reconciliation may be more effective than rigid conjugal rights. [17] Restitution is harsh and barbaric, requiring compromise on the part of both parties. However, reconciliation is very gentle and inviting. With restitution, the situation may turn ugly if both parties are forced to live together. On the other hand, if reconciliation is the solution, it might not offend either party and it might clear up any misunderstandings.
Due to the fact that the judiciary’s primary role is not reconciliation but rather dispute resolution, a separate committee will need to be established to handle and resolve marital disputes. Reconciliation is a quick, effective, and practical idea that works very well.