Should A Woman Write To Husband's Employer In Divorce Case? SC Calls It 'One Of The Worst Things'

Last Updated:July 21, 2026, 13:02 IST

A Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan noted that the complaints could lead to loss of employment and affect maintenance claims

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over women writing to their husbands’ employers during matrimonial litigation, noting that filing such complaints is “one of the worst things" a wife could do.

A Bench of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan noted that the complaints could lead to loss of employment and affect maintenance claims, according to NDTV. 

The Bench was hearing a petition filed by a woman seeking transfer of a defamation suit instituted against her by her husband’s friend from Assam to Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In her petition, the woman claimed that she was already dealing with a number of litigations against her husband in Ghaziabad.

‘Causing Loss Of Spouse’s Livelihood Worse…’

Flagging instances of wives writing to their husbands’ employers –– leading to the termination of their employment –– Justice Nagarathna observed that while seeking divorce was one thing, causing the loss of spouse’s livelihood was even “worse", NDTV reported.

The defamation case stemmed from an application that the woman had written to Air Force authorities in Delhi, alleging that her husband –– an Air Force officer –– was engaged in an independent business in violation of the terms of service.

“Writing to a spouse’s employer during matrimonial disputes was ‘one of the worst things’ a wife could do, since it could cost the husband his job and leave little basis for any future maintenance claim", the Bench said.

However, counsel for the woman submitted that the representation to the Air Force authorities was made only after her husband filed a false complaint, alleging that the wife and her brother had stolen an Air Force helmet.

The Top Court has referred the matter to the Supreme Court Mediation Centre, asking it to explore the possibility of a settlement between the two parties. Justice Nagarathna urged counsel for the wife to resolve the dispute and withdraw all claims.

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