HMA S. 13(1)(ia) – Cruelty – Wife lodged several false FIR, legal proceedings – Quashed – Refusing to attend household chores and showing disrespect to the husband and his family members amounted to cruelty towards the husband.

Hindu marriage Act, 1955,  Section 13(1)(ia) – Cruelty – Wife lodged fir for Dowry against the husband and his family members who were acquitted – Divorce petition filed by the wife though was allowed by the trial court was set said by the High Court and dismissal upheld by the Apex Court  – In such circumstances, it would cause a reasonable apprehension in the mind of the husband that it was not safe for him to live with the wife – Besides, refusing to attend household chores and showing disrespect to the husband and his family members amounted to cruelty towards the husband –  Further, there had been no resumption of co-habitation between the parties and, therefore, the wife was certainly having intention to desert the husband –  The finding of desertion recorded by the trial court was not shown to be erroneous or perverse in any manner –  Thus, the irresistible conclusion would be that the appellant-wife had treated the husband- respondent with cruelty and had deserted to have separate residence from him – Decree of dissolution of marriage , upheld.

2015 PLRonline 0014 (P&H)