A Karnataka High Court ruling has overturned a man's divorce decree, awarding his wife ₹10,000 and highlighting the damaging impact of unsubstantiated adultery claims. The couple, married in 1999, saw the husband initiate divorce proceedings in 2003, citing frequent quarrels and his wife's extended stays at her parents' house.
Accusations Crumble Under Scrutiny:
The husband's accusations included adultery, "black magic," and administering drugs to weaken him. However, the court found these claims baseless:
No evidence supported adultery charges, and a DNA test confirmed the husband's paternity of their child.
Accusations of "black magic" lacked any basis.
Allegations of administering drugs were accepted by the family court without supporting evidence like blood tests.
Wife's Visits to Parents Deemed Normal:
The court rejected the husband's claim that his wife's visits to her parents every three months constituted cruelty. This, the court stated, is "normal practice in all families" and cannot be used to justify divorce.
Demands for Dowry Compound Husband's Misconduct:
Further complicating the husband's case were the wife's allegations of dowry demands. This context, the court noted, made her occasional visits to her family even more understandable.
Husband's Conduct Deemed Mental Cruelty:
The court concluded that the husband's unsubstantiated adultery accusations amounted to mental cruelty inflicted upon his wife. His use of "false and exaggerated grounds" and "abusing the process of law" were condemned.
In conclusion, the wife's appeal was granted, the divorce decree set aside, and the husband was fined ₹10,000 for his misconduct. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal and emotional consequences of making unfounded accusations in divorce proceedings.
