Chinese court orders Rs 30 lakh for unpaid housework

In a notable divorce case in China, a man named Hu has been ordered by a judge to pay his ex-wife Rs 30 lakh for her years spent managing household chores after their marriage. This ruling comes as part of their divorce settlement, where the couple faced disagreements over their daughter's education. Hu and his wife married in 2011 and had a daughter the same year. However, tensions in their marriage grew, leading Hu to leave their home in 2022. He filed for divorce in 2024, and his wife sought custody of their daughter and a share of their joint property. During the proceedings, Hu's wife claimed she had left her job to handle the household and care for their child. She initially requested Rs 6 lakh as compensation for her household work. However, the court's decision took Hu by surprise. The judge ruled that Hu must pay a lump sum of Rs 30 lakh for his daughter's upbringing, doubling the compensation for household work to five times what was requested. The ruling emphasizes the importance of shared responsibilities in a marriage. The judge noted that if one partner fails to contribute to household duties, they must compensate the other financially. Hu's shock reflects a broader conversation about equity and responsibilities in domestic life.