24.06.2026 09:41
The behaviors of individuals who constantly pressure their spouses by saying things like 'You left the bathroom light on too long,' 'Why did you flush the toilet?', 'Don't brew tea,' and restrict their basic needs have been cited as grounds for divorce and material compensation in the precedents of the Court of Cassation.
A man who constantly reprimands his wife for excessive frugality—saying things like 'you used too much bathroom light,' 'why did you flush the toilet,' 'don't brew tea'—received bad news from the Court of Cassation. According to the high court, forcing a spouse to sit in the dark to avoid higher electricity bills, restricting heating, or limiting basic food under the pretext of preventing waste are grounds for divorce and financial compensation.
"SHE KEEPS THROWING ME OUT OF THE HOUSE FOR REASONS LIKE 'YOU FLUSHED THE TOILET'"
A young woman named K.L., who claimed to suffer from her husband's stinginess, turned to the Family Court. She alleged that her husband was excessively miserly, did not want anyone to come to the house, and that their shared home was not livable.
Stating that even the basic needs of the house were not adequately met, K.L. said, "He constantly insults me and throws me out of the house for reasons like 'you used too much bathroom light' or 'you flushed the toilet.' He refuses to buy food supplies or detergent even if there is only one potato left. He even banned me from brewing tea. He also neglected his personal hygiene. He continually emphasized that he might cheat on me. I request a divorce on the grounds of the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, a monthly alimony of 1,500 TL, and 30,000 TL in material damages plus interest, as well as 50,000 TL in moral damages."
While residents of Bursa evaluated the decision with differing opinions, it was noted that the Court of Cassation's ruling would set a precedent for future decisions.