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Crime
Chhattisgarh HC declares persistent family quarrels as mental cruelty
✍️ The Times of India
🗓 14 Oct 2026, 01:48 AM
👁 9
The Chhattisgarh High Court ruled that ongoing marital disputes and family discord constitute mental cruelty, a valid ground for divorce under Indian law.
The Chhattisgarh High Court, sitting in Bilaspur, held that continuous quarrels and discord between spouses amount to mental cruelty, a recognized ground for divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act. The observation was made while hearing a petition filed by a wife seeking dissolution of her marriage on the basis of sustained emotional abuse.
The bench clarified that mental cruelty does not require physical violence; persistent hostility, humiliation and psychological strain are sufficient to damage the marital bond. It further directed the parties to explore mediation and counselling before proceeding with the divorce decree.
Legal experts note that the judgment reinforces the judiciary's willingness to protect victims of non‑physical abuse and may influence future family law cases across the country.
The bench clarified that mental cruelty does not require physical violence; persistent hostility, humiliation and psychological strain are sufficient to damage the marital bond. It further directed the parties to explore mediation and counselling before proceeding with the divorce decree.
Legal experts note that the judgment reinforces the judiciary's willingness to protect victims of non‑physical abuse and may influence future family law cases across the country.