UAE Court Resolves Dispute Between Man and Mother-in-Law for Insults
In a family dispute that escalated into a legal battle, a civil court of first instance in the UAE has issued rulings requiring both parties to pay compensation for material and moral damages resulting from mutual insults and threats.
The court addressed the claims of the plaintiff and the cross-claim of the defendant, each demanding compensation for harm suffered during their disagreement.
Background of the dispute:
The disagreement between the plaintiff and his mother-in-law led to insults, threats, and subsequent legal actions. The criminal court had previously fined the mother-in-law for accusations related to insulting behaviour, misuse of social media, and assault.
Plaintiff's Claims:
The plaintiff, citing damage to his honour, prestige, and family reputation, sought compensation for material and moral harm caused by the insults and threats. He emphasised the psychological and moral pain endured during the litigation process, leading to legal fees and expenses. The civil court ruled in favour of the plaintiff, awarding him 3,000 dirhams for material damage and 6,000 dirhams for moral damage, along with 6% legal interest.
Defendant's Cross-Claim:
The defendant filed a cross-suit in response to the plaintiff's claims, claiming that the plaintiff had insulted her in front of her family. The plaintiff had already been penalised by the court of appeals for his activities. The defendant requested damages for moral and material harm, including mental suffering and poor health. She asked the plaintiff for 51,000 dirhams.
Court's Rulings:
The civil court acknowledged the impact of the defendant's words on the plaintiff's feelings and reputation, especially considering the incident occurred in front of his wife. Compensation of 3,000 dirhams for material damage and 6,000 dirhams for moral damage was awarded to the plaintiff. The court emphasised the validity of the plaintiff's claims and the impact of the defendant's words on her psychological well-being, justifying the compensation of 3,000 dirhams for material damage and 6,000 dirhams for moral damage.
Moreover, the civil court's rulings aimed to address the grievances of both parties, offering compensation for the harm they suffered during the dispute.