'Wife Not a Pug in a Vodafone Ad': Madras High Court Dissolves Marriage Over Career Relocation
A wife cannot be expected to follow her husband wherever he relocates like the pug from telecom operator Vodafone's iconic advertisements, the Madras High Court has observed while handling a long-running matrimonial dispute.
Relocation and Employment Realities
A Division Bench comprising Justices GR Swaminathan and MD Sumathi made the remark while setting aside a family court order from Sivagangai, reports Bar and Bench. The trial court had previously rejected a man's plea for divorce, partly on the ground that he had moved from Sivagangai to Mumbai for employment without taking his wife along, concluding that he had failed in his marital responsibilities. Madras High Court Orders 2 Women Cops To Pay INR 1 Lakh Each to Complainant in Dowry Case; Here's Why.
The High Court disagreed with this approach, clarifying that marriage does not strictly mean a couple must live together under all circumstances, particularly when career obligations dictate otherwise. "It may not always be feasible to take the wife along," the Bench noted. "Suppose the husband is a soldier, it is not possible to set up a marital home in the army barracks. The wife could be gainfully employed. She cannot be expected to conduct herself like the pug in the unforgettable Vodafone ad."
Breakdown of Marriage and Alimony
The couple had married in September 1992 and share four children. By the time the matter reached the High Court, the husband was 67 years old, and the pair had lived separately for 16 years. While the husband had also accused his wife of adultery, the High Court declined to accept the charge, noting that the alleged partner had not been formally added as a party to the proceedings, which is a legal requirement.
Observing that the long separation and lack of cohabitation had caused the marital bond to break down beyond repair, the court invoked precedent to dissolve the marriage. The Bench directed the husband to pay INR 7 lakh as alimony to his wife, stating that the divorce decree would take effect only after the deposit is made before the family court.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2026 12:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
