A Kuwaiti court has ruled in favor of a husband, awarding him 1,300 dinars (approximately $4,200) in compensation for insults his wife made during a WhatsApp conversation.

The court deemed the wife’s use of an offensive emoji, along with her verbal exchanges, to constitute verbal abuse.

The case, which was heard by a misdemeanour court, has sparked heated debate online, with public opinion sharply divided.

Some social media users expressed sympathy for the wife, criticizing the husband for taking their domestic dispute to court.

They argued that private matters should not be aired in public legal battles and that obedience within marriage should be enforced by law.

Others, however, supported the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of respect within marital relationships. They believe the ruling serves as a necessary reprimand for the wife’s actions.

The lawyer representing the husband, Nour Al Mutairi, has remained silent on the public reactions and has not indicated whether the case will be appealed. This ruling has opened a complex discussion about the boundaries of free speech, the role of social media in marital disputes, and the evolving definition of “verbal abuse” in the digital age.