#cruelty in marriage

Chhattisgarh High Court rules that prolonged mental or physical cruelty under Section 498-A IPC does not require proof of dowry demand for conviction. The court reduced the sentence from 3 years to 6 months, citing a 22-year trial delay and prior custody, reinforcing that cruelty itself is punishable regardless of dowry allegations.

The Supreme Court affirmed that sustained cruelty and desertion under the Hindu Marriage Act, as established by fact-based findings of lower courts, justify divorce and warrant enhanced monthly maintenance to ensure the wife’s dignity and subsistence. This reinforces that judicial discretion in maintenance must reflect actual need and conduct, not just statutory minimums.

MP High Court rules that prolonged separation (14 years) with no prospect of reconciliation amounts to mental cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act, entitling the husband to divorce. The judgment underscores that irretrievable breakdown of marriage, even without physical abuse, can justify dissolution under Section 13(1)(ia).

Bombay High Court holds that conviction under Section 306 IPC requires proximate cruelty leading to suicide, with presumption under Section 113A Evidence Act applicable if cruelty is established.