Cruelty as per Hindu Law

Cruelty

In the context of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, cruelty is a ground for both Judicial Separation (Section 10) and Divorce (Section 13(1)(ia)).

  • Definition: The Act does not strictly define "cruelty," but courts interpret it as conduct of such a character as to cause a reasonable apprehension that it will be harmful or injurious to live with the other party.

  • Physical Cruelty: Actual violence or threats of violence.

  • Mental Cruelty: This is more common and includes verbal abuse, constant insults, false accusations of adultery, or refusal of sexual intercourse without valid reason.

    • Case Law (V. Bhagat v. D. Bhagat): The Supreme Court held that mental cruelty must be such that no reasonable person can be expected to live with the spouse.

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