The Supreme Court of India has granted divorces based on a “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” under Article 142 of the Constitution. This decision applies when both partners agree to divorce or when one partner wants to divorce but the other does not.
Objective Of This Evaluation
Before awarding a divorce based on a “irretrievable breakdown of marriage,” the court stressed that it must be absolutely convinced and guaranteed that the marriage is beyond repair, devoid of any emotional attachment, and entirely unworkable. It is critical that the factual assessment and evaluation be objective and firm.
Removal Of The Cooling-Off Period
The ruling eliminates the mandatory six-month gap between the initial and subsequent rounds of mutual agreement divorce applications submitted under the Hindu Marriage Act (HMA). Furthermore, the court has the authority to nullify other legal proceedings and orders, such as criminal cases and First Information Reports, based on the parties’ agreement.
Factors Of “Irretrievable Breakdown Of Marriage”
The court provided examples of factors that can aid in determining a “irretrievable breakdown of marriage.” The discretion to employ this power, however, must be grounded in the precise factual circumstances of each instance and examined objectively.
Ending Agony, Suffering, And Torment
The court concluded that taking an overly strict approach in situations involving a “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” is counterproductive because such cases can cause enormous pain, suffering, and harassment while they go unresolved. The court’s obligation is to guarantee that matrimonial disputes are resolved peacefully in order to end the agony, distress, and torture they inflict.
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Irretrievable Breakdown Of Marriage – FAQs
Q1: What are the factors that aid in determining a “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”?
Ans: The court gave examples of characteristics that can be used to determine a “irretrievable breakdown of marriage.” However, the discretion to use this power must be grounded in the specific factual circumstances of each instance and objectively examined.
Q2: Can other legal proceedings and orders be nullified as per the recent ruling?
Ans: Yes, based on the parties’ agreement, the court has the authority to nullify other legal proceedings and orders, such as criminal cases and First Information Reports.
Q3: What is the objective of the evaluation required for granting a divorce based on an “irretrievable breakdown of marriage”?
Ans: The court emphasised that it must be completely convinced and guaranteed that the marriage is irreparable, devoid of emotional attachment, and completely unworkable. The appraisal and evaluation of facts must be objective and firm.
