Justice B.V. Nagarathna emphasized the importance of protecting women's financial and residential security for empowerment and independence. Financial security allows women to make independent decisions and improves economic stability, while residential security provides a safe living environment. She also defended a bench ruling that a Muslim woman can seek maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the CrPC and stated "religion-neutral" provision applies to all married women irrespective of their religion.
Justice Nagarathna advocates for strong legal frameworks to ensure women's financial and residential security, including property, inheritance, and equal pay rights. She calls for comprehensive support systems, including legal aid, counseling, and financial literacy programs, to help women navigate these challenges. She also stresses the responsibility of society and government to ensure women's rights are respected and protected.
She mentions that Indian society often imposes a "homemaker" status on married daughters, who are financially dependent on their husbands and families. However, many married men in India do not realize these women's challenges, as requests for expenses may be denied. This lack of independence not only affects the emotional well-being of the wife but also her financial stability.
She further emphasized that Indian married men must financially empower their vulnerable wives by providing them with financial resources for personal needs, thereby ensuring a more secure family position.
