🧠 Refusing Mental Health Treatment Can Be Cruelty, Says Kerala High Court
In a recent ruling, the Kerala High Court stated that denying mental health treatment in order to maintain a peaceful marriage can amount to mental cruelty, justifying divorce. The court dismissed a woman’s appeal against a divorce decree issued by the Family Court.
⚖️ Background of the Case
The woman appealed the divorce granted to her husband, claiming she was mistreated and forced to leave their home. She said she had no mental illness and was only stressed due to how she was treated.
However, the husband alleged that his wife had shown signs of mental health problems since the start of their marriage. He said she often displayed uncontrolled anger, refused treatment, and even threatened to kill him while he slept.
👧 Daughters Supported the Father’s Claims
The couple’s two daughters also testified in court. They stated that their mother was verbally and physically abusive, regularly insulted their father, and threatened to harm herself or others.
They said their mother left them when they were schoolchildren, forcing their father and grandmother to care for them.
🧑⚖️ Court’s Observations
The court, led by Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Sophy Thomas, noted that the woman’s own statements revealed behavioral issues that caused family problems. Despite this, she never sought treatment.
The judges said there is no single definition of mental cruelty, but in this case, the woman’s actions created a reasonable fear in the husband’s mind.
Since the couple were Christians, the court applied Section 10 of the Indian Divorce Act, which says cruelty includes actions that are harmful or prevent a spouse from enjoying marital life. This harm does not need to be physical.
✅ Verdict
The court ruled that the husband had clearly proven cruelty and that the wife’s refusal to get help contributed to emotional damage. Her appeal was dismissed, and the divorce was upheld.
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