In Brief
A husband and wife married in 2008 separated within a year and lived apart for over 16 years. The husband sought divorce on grounds of cruelty by the wife, but the Family Court and High Court rejected his petition, finding the allegations unproven. However, the Supreme Court held that the marriage had irretrievably broken down. With no prospect of reconciliation, prolonged separation, and the husband's acquittal in concurrent criminal cruelty proceedings, the Court exercised power under Article 142 to grant divorce on irretrievable breakdown grounds. Monthly maintenance was enhanced from Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 15,000 for the wife and 16-year-old son. The appeal was allowed and the marriage dissolved.
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