Kitchen Clash Leads to Legal Split Over Swaminarayan Diet

A couple in Gujarat has ended their 22-year marriage. The divorce was granted by a family court in Ahmedabad. The central conflict was the wife’s religious dietary practice.

She follows the Swaminarayan sect, which avoids onion and garlic. This created a persistent kitchen dispute. According to PTI, the Gujarat High Court recently upheld the divorce.

Court Upholds Divorce Amid Dietary Dispute

The couple married in 2002. The husband’s mother initially cooked separate meals. The wife ate food without onion and garlic while the family had regular dishes.

What started as an adjustment became a major tension point. The court noted this issue triggered larger differences. The marriage deteriorated over the years.

The wife left the marital home with their child in 2007. The husband filed for divorce in 2013, citing cruelty. The family court granted the divorce in May 2024.

The High Court has now confirmed the decision. The wife did not contest the divorce itself. Her concern was related to the awarded alimony.

During proceedings, she stated she had not received maintenance for 18 months. Her lawyer claimed an outstanding amount of over 13 lakh rupees. The husband had deposited a portion of funds earlier in the case.

Understanding the Swaminarayan Diet

The Swaminarayan diet is a strict lacto-vegetarian regimen. It focuses on sattvic foods believed to promote purity. Followers avoid meat, fish, eggs, onion, and garlic.

Ingredients like garlic and onion are avoided for spiritual clarity. The core principle is ahimsa, or non-violence. The diet includes fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and dairy.

Allowed foods also include ghee, nuts, and natural sweeteners. The diet prohibits alcohol, stimulants, and heavily fried foods. Meals are often prepared with devotion and offered to God before eating.

This practice stems from a desire for mental calmness. It is a key part of religious observance for followers. For this couple, it became an irreconcilable difference.

This case highlights how deeply held beliefs can impact personal relationships. The Swaminarayan diet was the catalyst for the marital breakdown. It shows the legal system grappling with modern interpretations of compatibility and cruelty.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the Swaminarayan diet?

It is a strict lacto-vegetarian diet followed by the Swaminarayan sect. It avoids onion, garlic, meat, fish, and eggs. The focus is on sattvic foods believed to aid spiritual purity.

Why did the Gujarat couple get divorced?

They divorced after 22 years of marriage due to a dispute over dietary habits. The wife’s adherence to a diet without onion and garlic created ongoing conflict. The court ruled this was a trigger for irreconcilable differences.

What did the Gujarat High Court decide?

The High Court upheld the family court’s decision to grant the divorce. The wife did not challenge the dissolution of the marriage itself. The proceedings involved discussions about outstanding alimony payments.

Are onion and garlic commonly restricted in diets?

Yes, they are restricted in several Indian religious and cultural practices. In traditions like Ayurveda and Jainism, they are sometimes avoided. They are considered stimulating and not conducive to meditation in some beliefs.

What was the wife’s main concern in court?

Her primary concern was financial maintenance. She stated she had not received court-ordered alimony for a year and a half. The legal discussion centered on enforcing the monetary award.