The landmark judgement by the Supreme Court has rightly decriminalised adultery after striking down a 158-year-old British-era law, saying it was unconstitutional, dented the individuality of women and treated them as “chattel of husbands”. Slowly we are realising the ideals which are enshrined in our Constitution, equality and dignity of individuals. Marriage does not mean ceding autonomy of one to the other. Ability to make sexual choices is essential to human liberty. Marriage is undoubtedly the happiest occasion a human being can ever experience, provided it is an ideal one. It is a new era in the life of a youth, for one will be burned with responsibilities and duties. That is why; it is said, “One year of Joy, another of comfort and the rest of contest or wish.” The fatal blow to any marriage is an adulterous affair where one or both spouses think they finally found the person they were meant to be with. Once convinced that he or she married the wrong person, the idea of divorce can take root and destroy your marriage.
Loss of moral commitment in a marriage creates a dent in the relationship, but it is left to each individual to deal with the problem — some may forgive while others may seek a divorce. The judiciary’s analysis of Sec 497 is good enough, duly taking into consideration the prevailing situation in the Society. It is upto the human being to take the right path after distinguishing the right and wrong. Even if Sec 497 is scrapped, the public can still lead a concerted, disciplined family life with the bondage of love among the family members.
The Centre says that Sec 497 was enacted to safeguard the sanctity of a marriage and diluting it would be detrimental to matrimonial bond. Sec 497 of the Indian Penal Code is a clear violation of the fundamental rights granted in the Constitution and there is no justification for the continuation of the provision.
For the simple offence that the poor bride’s father begot a daughter, he is to feed and dress excellently well, and to abide by the essential conditions of “The Great Matrimonial Charter”. Nuptial marriage is another source to squeeze the blood in the form of money of the father-in-law. Sumptuous dishes must be served. After all the matches are not pleasing.
I would like to point out that staying married cannot be a boring exercise unless the partners make sacrifices for each other so as to enjoy the fruits of marital enjoyment. One would find that in our Indian society, a woman plays a key role in making adjustments and stabilising the relationship. Every marriage has its inconveniences, minor rows and major spats. As the mind is the biggest sex organ, the couple should understand the importance of the mind in the art of lovemaking. Lovemaking is a tonic to a happy marital life. Further cheating within a marriage is a breach of trust and a fraud committed on emotional values. The institution of marriage stands weakened by just the stroke of the pen.
A Golden rule for a marriage is to make each other the top priority. If this is taken into consideration then marriage is a golden moment of life steeped in the air of romance. It is rightly said, “Blessed are they who are loved”, but twice blessed are they who have the ability to love and give.” Marriage is one such contract with its own key to success.
No doubt, the first year of marriage is supposed to be the boredom one as each partner has to adjust to the other’s tastes and temper, ideals and interests. It is found that jealousy is also another emotion, which kills the marriage life. Each partner should think in terms of “We” and not “I”. Minor issues must not be given importance.
Lastly, I would like to point out that the relationships acquired by marriage are equally important, if not more, and hence, have to be carefully cultivated. Marriage is one such contract with its own key to success. Both mates can begin to make little adjustments, little allowances and compromises to make life easier.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
