In Jitendra Azad v. Meena Gupta, the Jharkhand High Court dismissed the husband’s appeal seeking restitution of conjugal rights under Section 9 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The parties lived separately due to employment in different cities. The husband alleged withdrawal without cause, while the wife maintained she was willing to continue the marriage but could not leave her job and also alleged monetary demands by his family. The Court held that restitution is not automatic and can be granted only when withdrawal is without “reasonable excuse.” Employment was recognized as a valid and lawful ground. Applying constitutional principles of equality and dignity under Articles 14 and 21, the Court emphasized that marriage is a partnership of equals. A husband has no absolute right to compel his wife to abandon her career. Insisting otherwise was deemed unreasonable, and the wife’s separate residence was justified.