The Kerala High Court recently ruled that comparing a wife to other women and constantly reminding her that she does not meet her husband’s expectations constitutes mental cruelty and is a valid ground for divorce.
This observation was made on August 4 by a bench comprising Justice Anil K. Narendran and Justice C.S. Sudha. The bench was hearing an appeal from a husband who challenged a family court’s decision to grant divorce to his wife on the grounds of cruelty.
The wife alleged that her husband frequently taunted her about her appearance, stating that she was not “cute enough” and did not meet his expectations. He even compared her unfavorably to other women, including prospective brides for his brother.
In its judgment, the court stated, “The repeated taunts by the husband, saying the wife is not up to his expectations and comparing her with other women, amount to mental cruelty that no wife should be expected to endure.”
The court further observed that while the irretrievable breakdown of marriage is not, by itself, sufficient grounds for divorce under Indian law, the facts of the case warranted the recognition of the marriage’s failure for the benefit of the parties and society.
The bench emphasized that public interest usually supports maintaining marital relationships, but when a marriage is beyond repair, public interest lies in acknowledging its breakdown.
The court upheld the family court’s decision, granting the wife a divorce based on cruelty caused by the husband’s behavior.
This judgment reinforces the principle that mutual respect is a cornerstone of marriage and that emotional abuse can have significant legal consequences.
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