Cruelty - a ground for matrimonial relief

Law

The word 'cruelty' has not been defined in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. Generally, cruelty is any behavior which causes a physical or mental, intentional or unintentional. The era of 1955 is the most important for the Hindu. Pre 1955 era was considered as uncodified Hindu Law. Marriage is considered as a pious knot in Hindu Law. Hindu Law is based on Hindu Religion. So, there was no any provision for divorce in uncodified Hindu Law. The Male-dominated Hindu Society was ended by the Hindu Marriage Act. Both the spouse are entitled for DIVORCE. However, Cruelty has always been a burning topic for the supreme court of India regarding this act. The concept of cruelty have been mentioned both in the provisions for judicial separation and divorce. However, it is difficult task to consider cruelty even after 59 years i.e., from the enactment of the act.

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