Supreme Court calls Homemakers “Nation Builders”, recognises economic value of unpaid domestic work
The Supreme Court has delivered a landmark observation stating that women who manage households should not be referred to merely as “homemakers”, as the term undervalues their contribution to society. Instead, the court said they should be recognised as “nation builders” for their role in shaping families and future generations.
A bench led by Justice Sanjay Karol emphasised that unpaid domestic work, including caregiving and household management, carries significant economic value. The court noted that such work is essential for the functioning of families and the development of human capital.
It observed that homemakers play a crucial role in raising children, nurturing values, and maintaining family stability, all of which contribute indirectly to national development.
The court further clarified that marriage does not imply that women must bear sole responsibility for household duties. It stressed that domestic responsibilities should be shared and that a woman’s professional aspirations cannot be restricted after marriage.
In a key observation, the court said that a homemaker’s contribution must be considered while calculating compensation in motor accident cases. It fixed the value of “loss of domestic care” at ₹30,000 per month, ensuring that unpaid labour is formally recognised in legal assessments.
The Supreme Court also directed High Courts to ensure faster disposal of motor accident compensation cases, urging strict adherence to summary procedures under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The ruling is being seen as a major step toward acknowledging the economic and social value of unpaid domestic labour, reinforcing that household work is not invisible but a vital form of nation-building.
