{"id":3575,"date":"2025-09-25T07:50:47","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T07:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/?p=3575"},"modified":"2025-09-25T08:04:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T08:04:13","slug":"section-13-grounds-for-divorce-hindu-marriage-act-1955","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/25\/section-13-grounds-for-divorce-hindu-marriage-act-1955\/","title":{"rendered":"Section 13 \u2013 Grounds for Divorce (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"3575\" class=\"elementor elementor-3575\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-61e128e40 elementor-section-height-full elementor-section-content-middle elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-items-middle tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no\" data-id=\"61e128e40\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-background-overlay\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-no\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2f406d6a\" data-id=\"2f406d6a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-14628484 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no\" data-id=\"14628484\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-3b0d7167\" data-id=\"3b0d7167\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-38e514b6 tmpcoder-fancy-text-clip tmpcoder-advanced-text-style-animated tmpcoder-animated-text-infinite-yes elementor-widget elementor-widget-tmpcoder-advanced-text\" data-id=\"38e514b6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;anim_loop&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"tmpcoder-advanced-text.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<h1 class=\"tmpcoder-advanced-text\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"tmpcoder-advanced-text-preffix\">Section 13 \u2013 Grounds for Divorce (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<span class=\"tmpcoder-anim-text tmpcoder-anim-text-type-clip\" data-anim-duration=\"1200,2000\" data-anim-loop=\"yes\">\t\t\t<span class=\"tmpcoder-anim-text-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"tmpcoder-anim-text-cursor\">|<\/span>\t\t<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8079176 e-flex e-con-boxed tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8079176\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77a3147 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"77a3147\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divorce is never easy, but the law provides a structured pathway for couples who can no longer sustain their marriage. <\/span><span style=\"color: #cba557;\"><a style=\"color: #cba557;\" href=\"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/blog\/\"><b>Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955<\/b><\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is one such provision that clearly defines the circumstances in which a spouse may seek dissolution of marriage.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditionally, Hindu marriages were treated as sacred, lifelong bonds with no exit route. Divorce was unthinkable, and separation carried severe social stigma. However, post-independence reforms acknowledged the harsh realities faced by spouses trapped in broken marriages. Thus, Section 13 was enacted to balance respect for the institution of marriage with the need for personal freedom and justice.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e067b53 e-flex e-con-boxed tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"e067b53\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c2c69cf elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"c2c69cf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Section 13 \u2013 Grounds for Divorce (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec9486f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec9486f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 13 provides both general and special grounds for divorce. General grounds are available to both spouses, while special grounds under Section 13(2) are reserved exclusively for women.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The section recognizes that a marriage can break down due to cruelty, desertion, adultery, mental illness, religious conversion, or other circumstances. Importantly, the Act also accommodates modern perspectives through <\/span><b>mutual consent divorce<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> under Section 13B.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1fd93a e-flex e-con-boxed tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"a1fd93a\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92f52e0 e-con-full e-flex tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no e-con e-child\" data-id=\"92f52e0\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;full&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-702e88c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"702e88c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Cruelty as a Ground for Divorce<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8b10085 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8b10085\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cruelty is one of the most commonly cited reasons for divorce. It can be physical such as assault, abuse, or harassment or mental, including humiliation, neglect, or emotional torture.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts have widened the scope of cruelty to include subtle behaviors. For instance, constant false allegations, abusive language, or forcing a spouse into unnatural sexual relations can amount to mental cruelty. However, isolated quarrels or trivial disagreements do not qualify.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3463a83 e-flex e-con-boxed tmpcoder-jarallax-no tmpcoder-parallax-no tmpcoder-particle-no tmpcoder-sticky-section-no e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3463a83\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;content_width&quot;:&quot;boxed&quot;}\" data-core-v316-plus=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-336e6f6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"336e6f6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Adultery under Section 13<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2fd6b6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2fd6b6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adultery refers to voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone other than their spouse. Under the Hindu Marriage Act, even a single act of adultery is sufficient ground for divorce.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The challenging part lies in proving adultery, as direct evidence is rare. Courts generally rely on circumstantial evidence such as hotel records, text messages, or eyewitness accounts. The burden of proof rests on the spouse alleging adultery, but the standard is not as strict as in criminal cases.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7099aec elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"7099aec\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Desertion as a Legal Ground<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-22d2ad9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"22d2ad9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desertion means the permanent abandonment of one spouse by the other without any reasonable cause, consent, or justification. To qualify under Section 13, desertion must last for a continuous period of <\/span><b>at least two years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> immediately before filing for divorce.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not just physical separation; desertion also includes cases where spouses live under the same roof but one neglects all marital obligations. Courts require proof of intention (animus deserendi) to permanently end cohabitation.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-04bb4cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"04bb4cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conversion of Religion<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ed413d9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ed413d9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversion to another religion is another ground for divorce. If a spouse renounces Hinduism and adopts another faith, the other spouse can seek divorce under Section 13.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This provision recognizes that religious conversion often changes personal laws and may lead to incompatibility in marital life. However, if both spouses agree to continue the marriage despite conversion, divorce may not be granted automatically.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-160aa40 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"160aa40\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Mental Disorder as a Ground\n<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-817520c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"817520c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A marriage can be dissolved if one spouse suffers from a mental disorder so severe that it makes marital life unbearable. The Act mentions schizophrenia, psychopathic disorder, or mental illness of such a degree that the other spouse cannot reasonably live with them.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mild depression or anxiety, however, does not qualify. Courts usually require strong medical evidence, psychiatric reports, and expert testimony before granting divorce on this ground.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4517f33 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4517f33\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Venereal Disease in a Communicable Form<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c811544 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c811544\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If one spouse suffers from a <\/span><b>venereal disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (such as syphilis, gonorrhea, or HIV\/AIDS) in a communicable form, the other spouse can seek divorce. The rationale is the health risk posed to the other spouse and potential children.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical proof is essential, and courts maintain confidentiality in such cases to protect the dignity of the affected party.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ff8bbef elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ff8bbef\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Renunciation of the World<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d21848 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d21848\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In Hindu tradition, renouncing worldly life and adopting <\/span><b>sanyasa<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is considered a civil death. If a spouse becomes a renunciate and joins an ascetic order, the other spouse has the right to dissolve the marriage under Section 13.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This ground is rare in modern times but highlights the cultural roots of the law.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Presumption of Death<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a spouse has not been heard of as alive for <\/span><b>seven years or more<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the law presumes them dead. The other spouse can file for divorce without needing a death certificate.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This provision is practical, especially in cases of disappearance during natural calamities, wars, or other uncertain situations.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Special Grounds for Wife under Section 13(2)<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Hindu Marriage Act gives women additional protection by allowing them exclusive grounds for divorce. These include:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Husband already married and living with another wife.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Husband guilty of rape, sodomy, or bestiality.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Husband marrying before the wife attained the age of 15 and she repudiates the marriage before 18.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintenance decree obtained under Section 125 CrPC, but cohabitation not resumed for one year.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These provisions reflect the legislature\u2019s intent to safeguard women against unfair marital practices.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Additional Rights for Women in Divorce<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Over time, various amendments have strengthened women\u2019s legal position. The <\/span><b>1976 Amendment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> allowed women to file divorce petitions even on grounds like rape or polygamy, giving them greater autonomy.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moreover, Indian courts have increasingly recognized women\u2019s right to dignity, maintenance, and custody, ensuring that divorce does not leave them destitute.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Mutual Consent Divorce under Section 13B<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In 1976, divorce by <\/span><b>mutual consent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was added to the Hindu Marriage Act through Section 13B. Couples who have lived separately for at least <\/span><b>one year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and agree that the marriage has broken down can file jointly.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This provision is progressive as it shifts focus from proving fault to respecting individual autonomy. However, a <\/span><b>six-month cooling-off period<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is mandatory, although courts can waive it in exceptional cases.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Judicial Separation vs. Divorce<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judicial separation is not the same as divorce. While divorce ends the marriage permanently, judicial separation only suspends marital obligations and allows couples to live apart.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It gives spouses time to reflect and decide whether reconciliation is possible. If not, judicial separation often precedes divorce.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Role of Family Courts<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Family courts play a pivotal role in divorce proceedings. They encourage reconciliation through mediation before taking up the matter judicially.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Judges handle sensitive issues like custody, maintenance, and property division with care, keeping the welfare of children as the top priority.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Landmark Supreme Court Judgments on Section 13<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several Supreme Court judgments have shaped the interpretation of Section 13. For example:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Naveen Kohli v. Neelu Kohli (2006):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recognized irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a ground.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Samar Ghosh v. Jaya Ghosh (2007):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Defined mental cruelty in detail.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Shilpa Sailesh v. Varun Sreenivasan (2023):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Allowed Supreme Court to grant divorce on irretrievable breakdown without legislative amendment.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These judgments show that courts are adapting to evolving social realities.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Grounds that are Not Recognized<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not every grievance qualifies for divorce under Section 13. For instance:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Incompatibility or lack of love is not a ground.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Financial issues or unemployment alone are not valid.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ordinary quarrels or differences in opinion do not amount to cruelty.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This distinction prevents misuse of divorce laws.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Impact of Divorce on Property Rights<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Property rights in divorce depend on ownership, contributions, and legal provisions. The Hindu Marriage Act does not provide for equal division of property but courts often ensure fair settlements through alimony.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent debates have pushed for recognition of <\/span><b>women\u2019s unpaid domestic work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in asset division.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Custody of Children in Divorce Proceedings<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Child custody is decided on the principle of the <\/span><b>best interest of the child<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Factors such as age, education, emotional well-being, and financial security are considered.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts may grant custody to one parent while giving visitation rights to the other, or opt for joint custody in suitable cases.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Maintenance and Alimony<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sections <\/span><b>24 and 25 of the HMA<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> empower courts to grant maintenance and alimony. Interim maintenance supports the spouse during proceedings, while permanent alimony provides long-term financial stability.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts consider income, lifestyle, and needs of both spouses before fixing the amount.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Social Impact of Divorce in India<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Divorce, once seen as taboo, is gradually becoming more accepted. Urban areas show rising divorce rates due to increasing awareness of individual rights.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, in rural India, divorce is still stigmatized, particularly for women, who may face social and economic challenges post-separation.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Comparative Analysis with Other Personal Laws<\/b><\/h3><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Muslim Law:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Recognizes talaq, khula, and mubarat.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Christian Law:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Governed by Indian Divorce Act, 1869.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Parsi Law:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Provides divorce through the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Comparing these shows the need for a <\/span><b>Uniform Civil Code<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which remains a debated subject in India.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Recent Amendments and Law Commission Reports<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><b>Law Commission of India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has recommended recognizing <\/span><b>irretrievable breakdown of marriage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as a ground for divorce, but Parliament has not yet amended the law.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, courts have started granting relief under Article 142 of the Constitution.<\/span><\/p><h3><b>Practical Challenges in Proving Grounds<\/b><\/h3><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many divorce petitions fail because grounds are hard to prove. For example:<\/span><\/p><ul><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mental cruelty requires detailed evidence.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adultery often lacks direct proof.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Desertion demands continuous separation for two years.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ul><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Thus, practical difficulties often prolong proceedings.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0c996e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"0c996e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Conclusion<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c813cad elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c813cad\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #cba557;\"><a style=\"color: #cba557;\" href=\"https:\/\/indiankanoon.org\/doc\/1284729\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Section 13<\/strong><\/a><\/span> of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is a cornerstone of matrimonial law in India. It strikes a delicate balance between preserving the sanctity of marriage and safeguarding individual liberty. While the law provides specific grounds like cruelty, adultery, or desertion, it also evolves through judicial interpretation to accommodate modern realities.<\/span><\/p><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As divorce becomes more socially accepted, the challenge lies in ensuring fairness, dignity, and justice for both spouses. Ultimately, Section 13 reminds us that marriage is valuable, but personal freedom and happiness are equally important.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a4fc417 elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"a4fc417\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\n  body {\n    cursor: none;\n  }\n\n  \/* Smaller outer black circle *\/\n  .custom-cursor {\n    width: 24px;\n    height: 24px;\n    border-radius: 50%;\n    background-color: black;\n    border: 2px solid white;\n    position: fixed;\n    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);\n    pointer-events: none;\n    z-index: 9999;\n  }\n\n  \/* Inner dot with gold color *\/\n  .custom-cursor-dot {\n    width: 8px;\n    height: 8px;\n    background-color: #CBA557;\n    border-radius: 50%;\n    position: fixed;\n    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);\n    pointer-events: none;\n  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elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"7552ba3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2549\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full wp-image-3579\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-scaled.jpg 2549w, https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-1020x1024.jpg 1020w, https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-768x771.jpg 768w, https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-1529x1536.jpg 1529w, https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/portrait-woman-sad-family-breakup-2039x2048.jpg 2039w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2549px) 100vw, 2549px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-66 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-fc21357\" data-id=\"fc21357\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9f61ae2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9f61ae2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions.<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7b629e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"7b629e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.18.0 - 20-12-2023 *\/\n.elementor-accordion{text-align:left}.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item{border:1px solid #d5d8dc}.elementor-accordion .elementor-accordion-item+.elementor-accordion-item{border-top:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title{margin:0;padding:15px 20px;font-weight:700;line-height:1;cursor:pointer;outline:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon{display:inline-block;width:1.5em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon svg{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon.elementor-accordion-icon-right{float:right;text-align:right}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon.elementor-accordion-icon-left{float:left;text-align:left}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon .elementor-accordion-icon-closed{display:block}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon .elementor-accordion-icon-opened,.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-accordion-icon-closed{display:none}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title.elementor-active .elementor-accordion-icon-opened{display:block}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-content{display:none;padding:15px 20px;border-top:1px solid #d5d8dc}@media (max-width:767px){.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title{padding:12px 15px}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-title .elementor-accordion-icon{width:1.2em}.elementor-accordion .elementor-tab-content{padding:7px 15px}}.e-con-inner>.elementor-widget-accordion,.e-con>.elementor-widget-accordion{width:var(--container-widget-width);--flex-grow:var(--container-widget-flex-grow)}<\/style>\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1291\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1291\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What is Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1291\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1291\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It defines the grounds on which a Hindu marriage can be dissolved through divorce.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1292\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1292\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can a wife file for divorce if the husband remarries?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1292\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1292\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, under Section 13(2), a wife can seek divorce if her husband has another wife living.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1293\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1293\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is irretrievable breakdown of marriage a ground under Section 13?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1293\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1293\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not legislatively, but courts sometimes grant divorce on this basis under Article 142.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1294\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1294\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">What is the minimum separation period for mutual consent divorce?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1294\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1294\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One year of living separately before filing, with a six-month cooling-off period.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1295\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1295\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can ordinary quarrels between spouses qualify as cruelty?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1295\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1295\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, only grave and persistent acts of cruelty are recognized.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-1296\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-1296\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-right\" viewBox=\"0 0 256 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M224.3 273l-136 136c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0l-22.6-22.6c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l96.4-96.4-96.4-96.4c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9L54.3 103c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l136 136c9.5 9.4 9.5 24.6.1 34z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><svg class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-angle-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 320 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M143 352.3L7 216.3c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l22.6-22.6c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l96.4 96.4 96.4-96.4c9.4-9.4 24.6-9.4 33.9 0l22.6 22.6c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9l-136 136c-9.2 9.4-24.4 9.4-33.8 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Does desertion mean physical separation only?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-1296\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"6\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-1296\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No, desertion can exist even if spouses live together but one neglects marital duties.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Section 13 \u2013 Grounds for Divorce (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955) | Divorce is never easy, but the law provides a structured pathway for couples who can no longer sustain their marriage. Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 is one such provision that clearly defines the circumstances in which a spouse may seek dissolution &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/2025\/09\/25\/section-13-grounds-for-divorce-hindu-marriage-act-1955\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Section 13 \u2013 Grounds for Divorce (Hindu Marriage Act, 1955)<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3577,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_header_footer","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3575"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3575"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3575\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3582,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3575\/revisions\/3582"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/intervenorlegal.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}