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Allahabad High Court opined that marriage between the appellant and respondent as per Hindu rites and customs in terms of Section 7 of the HMA 1955 itself is not proved and the Trial Court has gravely erred in not considering this aspect of the matter which was implicit in the issues framed by it.
Gauhati High Court holds statutory bar to remarry u/s 15 HMA cannot be extended by filing application seeking condonation of delay to challenge the divorce decree.
“The embittered relationship between the husband and wife has not witnessed any moment of peace for the last more than a decade or more, and it is a marital relationship only on paper. The fact is that this relationship has broken down irretrievably long back.”
“Insofar as Rule 6-D of Order VIII C.P.C., it clearly provides for “Effect of discontinuance of suit” that if in any case in which the defendant sets up a counterclaim, the suit of the plaintiff is stayed, discontinued or dismissed, the counter-claim may nevertheless be proceeded with.”
“A marriage is not an event for ‘song and dance’ and ‘wining and dining’ or an occasion to demand and exchange dowry and gifts by undue pressure leading to possible initiation of criminal proceedings thereafter. A marriage is not a commercial transaction.”
“The writ of habeas corpus is a prerogative writ, an extraordinary remedy, evolved under the common law and incorporated in our constitutional law, having the objective to protect and safeguard individual liberty.”
The Court, relying on several precedents, held that despite the proof of allegations regarding the wife’s extramarital affairs, custody of minor children can be granted to the wife.
“Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 merely provides saptpadi as an essential ceremony of a Hindu marriage and it does not provide that the ceremony of kanyadan is essential for solemnization of a Hindu marriage”
The Family Judge has erred in analyzing the life of the parties by taking a myopic view and by considering each incident as an independent window, when in fact it is the journey of the parties through their matrimonial life, which is determinative of their compatibility, progressiveness, and growth.
“It is a collective duty of both husband and wife to wither the trivial issues which are normal in a matrimonial life and mutual respect to the decision of each other appears to be the hallmark of the society. Even the Constitution recognises equality in gender and, therefore, the husband to be put on higher degree than that of the wife is unacceptable.”
The allegations which assassinate the character of the spouse amounts to the highest level of cruelty, which no doubt shall shake the foundation of their marriage.
“While human emotions know no bounds and rules, but definitely human sensibilities emanating from mind shall have prevailed for an educated person like appellant to have reigned his affections for third person, with scant regard for respondent who reposed complete faith by entering into vows of marriage.”
“To nurture the matrimonial bond, it is of high significance that parties live together and avoid leaving each other’s company frequently.”
Howsoever abysmal the differences maybe between the spouses, but in no realm can the act of the aggrieved spouse of igniting animosity and hostility in the minor child in an attempt to use the child as a weapon to get even with their spouse, could be justifiable.
by Bijal Ajinkya†, Sachin Bhandawat†† and Vatsal Singh†††
Cite as: 2024 SCC OnLine Blog Exp 19
“The petitioner submitted that the Trial Court erred in allowing the petition even without filing the statement of assets and liabilities and the respondent herself deserted the petitioner and yet, sought maintenance, therefore, she is not entitled to claim any interim maintenance.”
“Pressurizing spouse to fulfil distant and whimsical dreams clearly not within his financial reach may create a sense of persistent dissatisfaction which would be sufficient mental strain to drain the contentment and tranquillity out of any married life.”
“If the girl is not a major and has eloped with a person and expresses fear of life if her custody is given back to her parents, then the Court shall send her to appropriate shelter home where her interest could be best taken care of till she becomes a major.”
Madras High Court said that the wife was always ready and willing to live with the husband along with two children. It is the husband, who is running away from the matrimonial home without discharging his duty and responsibility as a husband.
Madras High Court held that the period of treatment the wife has taken from the parental home cannot be termed as desertion.