‘Homemaker’ is a gender-neutral term: What did the Karnataka High Court say?
The Karnataka High Court ruled that 'homemaker' is a gender-neutral term, emphasizing that the role is defined by service to the family rather than educational or professional status. The judgment came during a motor accident compensation case where the court rejected the argument that a highly educated woman cannot be considered a homemaker.
Why it matters
This legal precedent broadens the recognition of domestic labor and ensures fair compensation for homemakers in legal disputes regardless of their background.
The story so far : The High Court of Karnataka, in a judgment arising out of a motor accident compensation dispute with Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) in a 2013 bus accident, has said that “Any individual who tirelessly strives, showers unconditional love, sacrifices personal comfort at times and ultimately becomes a pillar for happy and stable family is a homemaker.”
The case arose out of a motor vehicle accident in 2013. The claimant suffered injuries and the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal in Bengaluru awarded her ₹4.55 lakh in compensation. Both the claimant and the KSRTC appealed against the decision. The claimant is an educated woman with a Master’s in Biotechnology and had previously worked as a guest lecturer. But there was no evidence that she was employed when the accident occurred.
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