We all know someone who loves their pets more than anything else in the world. Some even go the extra mile to pamper their furry friends with gourmet meals, Instagram profiles, and what not. But what happens when your love for your pet becomes the center of a marital storm? For one man in Bengaluru, this caused trouble.
A Bengaluru man is accused by his wife of giving their pet cat more attention than her. The wife alleged that her husband’s bond with the cat led to frequent fights, resulting in the cat often scratching her during these disputes, reported Hindustan Times.
The couple’s legal case initially revolved around IPC Section 498A, which is usually invoked for cruelty and dowry harassment. However, Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that the case wasn’t about dowry demands or violence but rather a domestic argument stemming from the husband’s affection for their cat.
The wife’s complaint had details about the cat’s behavior, including repeated scratching incidents, which added fuel to their arguments. But the judge pointed out that such allegations didn’t meet the criteria for a charge under Section 498A.
Justice Nagaprasanna also highlighted a pressing concern – how trivial domestic disputes like this one unnecessarily burden the criminal justice system, diverting attention from more pressing cases.
Perhaps loving your pets isn’t the problem. It’s about balancing that love with the needs of your partner.