SC used its Article 142 authority to dissolve a marriage, explaining that prolonged bitterness, emotional numbness, and long separation can indicate a “irretrievable breakdown.”
According to a recent Supreme Court decision, continuing a marriage despite an irreversible breakdown is cruel to both parties.
The justices used their Article 142 authority to dissolve a marriage, explaining that long periods of bitterness, emotional numbness, and long separation can indicate a “irretrievable breakdown.”
When a marriage reaches this point, the court emphasises that divorce is the only option. In the current case, a husband's petition under the Hindu Marriage Act was repeatedly denied, prompting the Supreme Court to declare it a clear example of an irretrievably broken marriage, citing similar recent decisions.
The court acknowledged, regrettably, that the couple's long separation had eroded any remaining love or affection. As a result, the marriage was annulled and the husband was ordered to contribute Rs. 20,00,000 to his daughter's education.
