Himachal HC upholds divorce citing adultery accusations as cruelty

In its latest verdict, the High Court at Himachal validated a divorce decree granted to a husband established on grounds of cruelty, drawing attention to the fact that accusing a spouse of adultery amounts to cruelty. Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Sandeep Sharma commanded that 'intention' is not a significant element in outlining cruelty, and unintended mistreatment can’t be used as an excuse to refuse the relief.

Kamlesh Thakur vs. Sushil Thakur arises from serious accusations of adultery against the husband by his wife. The Court emphasized that such allegations are not only deteriorating but also subject to mental cruelty. Underscoring the family court's decision, the High Court called attention to the fragile nature of the matrimonial ties, stressing the inevitability of trust and respect between the spouses.

The ruling underlined that untrue and baseless accusations of adultery can damage an individual's character beyond repair. The Court's findings backed the husband's claim of being put through mental cruelty and agony because of his wife, who keeps doubting his character and constantly suspecting him of an extramarital affair at the office. She had also insulted him at his workplace regarding the same.

Court Upholds Divorce, Adultery Cited as Cruelty

The Court noted that the word "cruelty" remains undefined in the Hindu Marriage Act, but it may take many forms, both physical and mental, intentional and unintentional, based upon the facts of the case. The Court emphasized the importance of assessing the nature of the alleged mistreatment and its impact on the spouse.

While recognizing the wife's claim to pursue a job, the Court laid emphasis on the feasibility of her decision to pick up a government job, leaving behind her seven-month-old daughter against the family's wishes. The bench eventually validated the family court's decision, saying that though the wife's education justified her right to work, the distance and conditions clouding her job choice were subject to debate.

Furthermore, by disallowing the wife's appeal protesting the divorce decree, the Himachal High Court underlined the failure to support the allegations against the husband. The decision reasserts the proposition that cruelty in matrimonial matters comprises a broad range of conduct and actions, irrespective of intention, that majorly impact the relationship between spouses.

The Court's ruling in this case reiterates the importance and significance of proving claims and comprehending the effect of one's conduct within marital relationships.