Marriage Considered 'Pious' In Indian Society: Divorce On Ground Of 'Irretrievable Breakdown Of Marriage' Not Always Desirable: Supreme Court
Live LawThe Supreme Court on Tuesday held that it can exercise its discretion under the inherent powers under Article 142 of the Constitution of India for dissolving a marriage on the ground of 'irretrievable breakdown of marriage', even when one of the spouses opposes the dissolution of marriage. The Court also clarified that since the institution of marriage is considered to be a 'pious' and 'spiritual' union in Indian society, a strait-jacket formula for the grant of relief of divorce under Article 142 on the ground of 'irretrievable break down of marriage' may not be desirable. It has also laid down that this discretionary power could be exercised for dissolving the marriage on the ground of its irretrievable break down to do “complete justice,” though one of the spouses opposes the prayer for dissolution of marriage.” Considering the facts of the case, the Court refused to grant a decree of divorce since the respondent wife had expressed her willingness to take care of her husband and informed the court that she did not wish to die with the label of being a 'divorced woman'. “Under the circumstances, considering and respecting the sentiments of the respondent wife, the Court is of the opinion that exercising the discretion in favour of the appellant under Article 142 by dissolving the marriage between parties on the ground that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, would not be doing “complete justice” to the parties, would rather be doing injustice to the respondent, “ the Court stated in its order.