Mid-Day

When the case of a 28 year-old woman who complained that her husband beat her regularly came up for hearing in the court of Justice Bhaktavatsala and Justice BS Indrakala, Bhaktavatsala observed that it was acceptable for a man to beat his wife, if he takes care of her. Women’s organisations are up against the Karnataka High Court judge for his remark during a hearing of the domestic violence case.

Reports say the judge asked her, “Why are you still talking about his beatings? I know you have undergone pain. But this is nothing compared to what you undergo as a woman.”

She was unwilling to return to her husband, the woman told the bench.

Justice Bhaktavatsala said his comments were twisted out of context and that he always supported reconciliation in case of failed marriages.

C Manjula, chairman of the Karnataka Women’s Commission said, “There are laws to protect women and their rights but if people like him say that a husband beating his wife is alright, who will then protect the women?”