Can adultery be a ground for divorce in India?

Answer By law4u team

Yes, adultery is recognized as a ground for divorce in India under certain personal laws. Different personal laws govern marriages within various communities in India, and the provisions regarding divorce, including grounds for divorce, vary accordingly. Here are some key points related to adultery as a ground for divorce: Hindu Marriage Act, 1955: Under the Hindu Marriage Act, adultery is recognized as a ground for divorce. Section 13(1)(i) of the Act allows either the husband or the wife to seek a divorce on the ground that the other party has committed adultery. Special Marriage Act, 1954: The Special Marriage Act, applicable to inter-faith marriages and marriages where either or both spouses are not Hindus, also recognizes adultery as a ground for divorce. Section 27 of the Act provides for divorce on the ground of adultery. Indian Divorce Act, 1869: The Indian Divorce Act applies to marriages among Christians. Adultery is recognized as a ground for divorce under Section 10(1)(b) of the Act. Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act, 1936: Adultery is a ground for divorce under the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act. Section 32(d) of the Act allows either party to seek divorce on the ground of adultery. It's important to note that in order to establish adultery as a ground for divorce, the petitioner (the spouse seeking the divorce) needs to provide evidence to support the allegation. Mere suspicion or accusations without sufficient evidence may not be considered valid grounds for divorce. Additionally, some personal laws provide for a certain period of condonation or forgiveness, whereby if the innocent party continues to live with the adulterous spouse after becoming aware of the adultery, it may be considered as condoning the act, and the right to seek divorce on grounds of adultery may be lost. Before taking any legal action, individuals considering divorce on the grounds of adultery are advised to consult with a family law attorney to understand the specific legal provisions applicable to their situation and to ensure that the legal process is followed appropriately.

Divorce Related Questions

Discover clear and detailed answers to common questions about Divorce. Learn about procedures and more in straightforward language.

Law4u App Download