Chhattisgarh High Court Dismisses Divorce Petition After 35 Years of Marriage: Solid Proof Required, Rules Bench

Raipur, Chhattisgarh: The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a divorce petition filed by a husband after 35 years of marriage, emphasizing that allegations without solid evidence cannot justify the dissolution of a long-standing marital bond.

The husband had approached the court claiming that his wife was quarrelsome and had mentally harassed him over the years. He further stated that for the past 15 years, his wife had been living at their daughter and son-in-law’s residence, citing this as additional ground for seeking divorce.

Wife’s Defense

The wife strongly opposed the petition, arguing that the allegations were baseless. She told the court that her husband doubted her character without justification. She further explained that she suffers from blood pressure (BP) and diabetes, and that her husband never contributed to her medical treatment.

Due to financial constraints and health issues, she said she had no choice but to live at her daughter’s home, where she could receive care and support.

Court’s Dismisses Divorce Observations

The High Court noted that the husband’s claims were unsupported by evidence. The bench emphasized the importance of documented proof when seeking divorce on grounds such as mental cruelty or desertion, particularly in long-term marriages.

The court stated:

“In the absence of cogent evidence, allegations of mental harassment or quarrelsomeness cannot serve as a basis for divorce. Courts must ensure that marital bonds are not dissolved lightly, especially after 35 years of cohabitation.”

Legal Precedent

Under Indian divorce law, including the Hindu Marriage Act, claims of mental cruelty, desertion, or adultery require clear and convincing evidence. Courts have repeatedly held that mere suspicion, personal grievances, or lifestyle differences do not constitute sufficient grounds for divorce.

Experts note that this case reinforces the principle that long-standing marriages are given protection, and allegations must be substantiated with solid proof, especially when the spouse in question has lived apart due to health or financial constraints.

Outcome

The Chhattisgarh High Court dismissed the petition, upholding the wife’s defense and sending a strong message that unsubstantiated claims of cruelty or desertion will not succeed in court, particularly in marriages spanning decades.