Kumar Bahukhandi
Supreme Court ( File Image )
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and N. Kotiswar Singh fixed a notional monthly income of ₹30,000 for assessing the loss of services rendered by homemakers
New Delhi: In a significant ruling recognising the economic value of unpaid domestic work, the Supreme Court has held that homemakers are “nation builders” and that the loss of domestic-care services must be treated as a separate head of compensation in legal claims.
A bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and N. Kotiswar Singh fixed a notional monthly income of ₹30,000 for assessing the loss of services rendered by homemakers.
Emphasising the crucial role played by homemakers in families and society, the Court observed that their contribution extends beyond household management and contributes to nation-building.
“Housewives contribute to the household. They are nation builders. They build the nation. How do you assess that contribution and monetise it? The word ‘homemaker’ would now acquire the acronym of ‘nation builder’,” the bench remarked.
The Court also directed that the loss of domestic care be recognised as an additional head of compensation, acknowledging the substantial yet often unremunerated contribution of homemakers.
Further, the bench expressed hope that Chief Justices of all High Courts would monitor the implementation of the directions issued in this regard.
The ruling is being viewed as an important step towards recognising the economic and social value of unpaid household work performed by homemakers across the country.
( Source : ANI )
