Derogatory Complaints to Employer Deemed Cruelty, Upholds Divorce

The Delhi High Court ruled that derogatory complaints to a spouse's employer constitute cruelty, upholding a divorce for a man. The court noted that marriage requires mutual respect and adjustment, emphasizing the importance of tolerance. It dismissed the wife's appeal, citing unfounded adultery accusations as harassment.

The Delhi High Court has ruled that derogatory and defamatory complaints lodged with an estranged spouse's employer amount to cruelty, thereby upholding a divorce granted to a man. The judgment was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Renu Bhatnagar on July 1.

Highlighting the principles of mutual respect and adjustment as foundational to a healthy marriage, the bench remarked that making such complaints, irrespective of their accuracy, constitutes an act of cruelty. The court emphasized that both partners are expected to show respect towards each other.

The court dismissed the appeal filed by the wife against the divorce decree and recognized the man's evidence of cruelty, also citing the prolonged separation of nearly fifteen years as an additional factor in its decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)