Punjab and Haryana High Court: Wife’s Actions to Destroy Husband’s Career and Reputation Constitutes Cruelty for Divorce
The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently ruled that if a wife is determined to destroy her husband’s career and reputation by filing complaints against him with his superiors, it constitutes mental cruelty, justifying divorce.
Justice Ritu Bahri and Justice Ashok Kumar Verma made this observation while hearing a divorce petition filed by an Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel claiming cruelty and desertion.
The appellant-husband sought to overturn a 2013 District Judge of Rohtak decision that dismissed his divorce petition filed under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. He stated that his wife abandoned him in April 2002 and failed to fulfill her matrimonial duties, causing him physical and mental cruelty.
The husband initiated divorce proceedings in 2006, but the matter was settled when she agreed to withdraw her complaints against him to Air Force authorities and her application for maintenance. Despite this, she did not withdraw the complaints or rejoin him.
In 2010, she filed an FIR against the husband and his parents under sections 498-A, 406, 313, 323, and 506 of the IPC. His parents were found innocent, but the husband faced a trial for over four years before being acquitted, as her allegations were false.
The Family Court initially denied the husband’s divorce petition, citing the wife’s claim that she never deserted or treated him cruelly. However, the High Court’s recent ruling recognized her actions to destroy his career and reputation as mental cruelty, granting him the divorce.
This case underscores the severe impact that malicious actions can have on a spouse’s career and mental well-being, reinforcing the grounds for divorce based on cruelty.
Case Title: Alok Lodhi & Ors. Vs. State of MP & Anr.
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