Case: Rinku Baheti v Sandesh Sharda (2024 SC)
Facts: The petitioner-wife and respondent-husband were married in July 2021 as per Hindu rites. It was the second marriage for both parties. The respondent had earlier obtained a divorce decree in November 2020 from his first wife, with whom he had been married for nearly two decades and had two children. Marital discord due to the respondent’s continued association with his children, ex-wife, and ailing father. The respondent proposed mutual separation, which the petitioner declined.
Decision: The Hon’ble Supreme Court, exercising its powers under Article 142(1) of the Constitution, granted a decree of divorce on the ground of irretrievable breakdown of marriage. The Court found that the parties were involved in multiple litigations; including serious criminal allegations by the wife against the husband and his family, and that there was no possibility of reconciliation. Holding that continuation of the marriage would cause undue hardship, the Court invoked its extraordinary jurisdiction to dissolve the marriage and directed the respondent-husband to pay a lump sum permanent alimony to the petitioner-wife, considering the duration of the marriage, the financial capacities of both parties, and the reasonable needs of the wife.
Link: https://api.sci.gov.in/supremecourt/2023/3848/3848_2023_8_1501_58087_Judgement_19-Dec-2024.pdf
Legal Takeaway
The judgment in Rinku Baheti v. Sandesh Sharda (2024) illustrates how repeated threats of suicide, false criminal accusations, and continuous litigation can collectively amount to mental cruelty under modern matrimonial law. The Supreme Court emphasized that when a marriage becomes dominated by fear, emotional pressure, and legal hostility, the relationship loses all possibility of reconciliation. In such situations, continuing the marriage serves no purpose except prolonging suffering, which is why the Court exercised its powers under Article 142 to dissolve the marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown.
For individuals experiencing similar challenges—such as being falsely accused, facing multiple police complaints, or enduring constant emotional intimidation—the legal process can be overwhelming and isolating. You don’t have to handle it alone. Speaking with an experienced divorce lawyer in Delhi can help you understand whether the behaviour you’re facing legally qualifies as mental cruelty and what protective remedies exist.
When the situation involves criminal allegations or false FIRs, the support of a reliable criminal lawyer in Delhi becomes essential to safeguard your rights and manage the pressure of investigations or court proceedings. Additionally, a seasoned matrimonial lawyer in Delhi can help you navigate mediation attempts, long-term litigation strategy, and the broader family law implications—ensuring that every step you take is legally secure and emotionally informed.
