In Brief
A couple married for only three days separated due to irreconcilable differences and sought waiver of the six-month waiting period for mutual divorce consent under the Hindu Marriage Act. The lower courts and High Court dismissed their application, holding that the waiting period condition was mandatory. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, holding that the waiting period is directory (not mandatory) and courts have discretion to waive it where marriage has irretrievably broken down, parties have separated long-term without hope of reconciliation, and further delay would only prolong their agony. The Court granted the divorce decree immediately, setting aside the lower court orders.
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