A Gujarati couple ended their 22-year marriage after a dispute over the wife’s refusal to eat onions and garlic. The kitchen conflict escalated and eventually reached the court, PTI reported.
The Gujarat High Court upheld the family court’s decision to grant the divorce as the wife chose not to challenge it further. The wife’s dietary choices are based on her faith in the Swaminarayan sect. which avoids these components.
The couple married in 2002. The husband’s mother cooked separate meals for the wife without onions and garlic. The rest of the family ate regular meals, according to PTI.
What began as an adaptation gradually developed into a point of tension that shaped everyday life. The court noted that this simple issue became the catalyst for larger differences. The marriage eventually fell apart as both parties felt unheard.
“Following religion and eating onion and garlic was the trigger for the differences between the parties,” PTI quoted the court as saying.
“The wife has not challenged the dissolution of the marriage but the maintenance awarded by the learned judge,” the court order said.
The dispute between the couple escalated over the years. The husband had earlier approached Mahila police station in Ahmedabad. He accused his wife of torture and harassment.
In 2007, the wife left the matrimonial home with the child due to ongoing disagreements. In 2013, the husband filed for divorce, claiming cruelty and desertion. Ahmedabad Family Court granted divorce in May 2024.
During the High Court hearing, the woman said she had not received child support for 18 months despite the family court order. Her lawyer said the amount owed was ₹13.02 million. She only got ₹2.72 crore as interim maintenance. Husband previously inserted ₹4.27 crore during the case.
Swaminarayan diet
The Swaminarayan diet is a strict lacto-vegetarian diet that focuses on sattvic foods. It allows fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and dairy products. Avoids meat, fish and eggs.
Garlic and onions are mostly avoided as they are not considered conducive to spiritual clarity. The basic idea is ahimsa. He suggests eating foods that keep the mind calm and clear. Many followers offer their food to God before eating.
Allowed foods also include ghee, nuts, seeds and natural sweeteners. Foods such as alcohol, stimulants and heavy or fried foods are not allowed. The preparation takes place with purity, dedication and moderation.
