The Kerala High Court recently ruled that a wife’s natural reaction upon learning about her husband’s illicit relationship cannot be considered cruelty in a divorce case. The court was hearing a matrimonial appeal filed by a husband seeking a divorce on the grounds of matrimonial cruelty.
The husband, who had married his wife according to Christian rites, had filed the petition in the Family Court in Alappuzha. He claimed that his wife had developed behavioral abnormalities, accusing him of having an affair. He argued that her violent and abusive behavior led to his mental stress, and ultimately, physical illness. The couple had three daughters and was living in Saudi Arabia at the time.
However, the wife denied the allegations, stating that her husband was fabricating reasons to distance himself and that she had never physically assaulted or threatened him. The court examined the case and concluded that the wife’s behavior was a normal human reaction. The court stated, “When the wife had reasonable grounds to suspect the fidelity of her husband, and if she expresses her sorrow or questions him, it cannot be termed as behavioral abnormality or cruelty.”
The court further explained that ordinary quarrels and emotional outbursts are not considered grounds for divorce. In this case, the wife’s reactions were seen as a normal response to the husband’s actions. The court emphasized that for cruelty to be a valid ground for divorce, the behavior must be so severe that it causes a reasonable belief that living together would be harmful.
The court also criticized the growing consumerist culture, where marriage is sometimes seen as disposable, with people preferring live-in relationships over commitment. It noted that the younger generation views marriage as an inconvenience rather than a lifelong bond.
In this case, the court found that the husband’s relationship with another woman caused disturbances, but did not amount to matrimonial cruelty. Therefore, the court dismissed the divorce appeal, ruling that the husband did not meet the necessary criteria for divorce on grounds of cruelty.
Be a part our social media community:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndianMan.in?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/indianman.in?igsh=MWZ2N3N0ZmpwM3l3cw==
