The High Court has clarified that marital property disputes should be assessed based on contribution, not an automatic 50–50 split.
The case arose when a woman demanded half of several properties owned by her former husband. The court rejected her claim, noting she failed to prove she contributed—financially or otherwise—to the acquisition or development of the properties.
In its ruling, the court emphasized:
Marriage is not a business contract, and equality in marriage does not automatically translate to equal division of property.
Judges must evaluate each case individually, guided by evidence of contribution, which can include domestic work, childcare, or supporting a spouse’s career.
Contributions must be demonstrated and documented, not assumed based on marital status alone.
The decision challenges the common assumption that divorce guarantees an automatic 50–50 split, reinforcing fact-based assessments in property disputes.
Legal experts note that this ruling may encourage greater accountability, transparency, and documentation within marriages.
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