Media & Press Updates
Important Legal Judgments Reported in Leading Newspapers
Family law in India evolves constantly through court decisions. This Media Page highlights important matrimonial-law judgments reported in Times of India, Indian Express, Economic Times and New Indian Express.
These updates help clients understand how courts presently view issues like divorce, cruelty, child custody, matrimonial home rights, DV Act protection, maintenance disputes and misuse of criminal law.
Important Judgments
Understanding these judgments can help you navigate maintenance disputes, contested divorce, and custody matters.
- Times of India
Denial of Physical Relationship = Cruelty: Bombay High Court
The Bombay High Court held that repeated denial of physical intimacy without reasonable cause amounts to mental cruelty. The wife's conduct, including suspicion and disrespectful behaviour, supported the decree of divorce.
- Why This Matters
Useful for contested divorce cases based on emotional cruelty and long-term marital breakdown.
- Economic Times
Wife's Impotency Allegation Is Not Defamation During Divorce
The HC held that when the wife alleges impotence as part of her divorce grounds, it cannot be treated as defamation because such allegations are directly connected to the marital dispute.
- Why This Matters
Important for cases involving sensitive allegations, sexual incompatibility or medical concerns.
- Times of India
Divorce Decree Set Aside — Family Court Gave No Reasoning
The High Court criticised a "mechanical" divorce decree passed solely because the wife failed to file her written statement. It restored the matter for proper hearing.
- Why This Matters
Shows that matrimonial cases must follow due process; courts cannot grant divorce casually.
- Times of India
Child Cannot Be Separated from Grandmother: Bombay HC
The father sought access only if the maternal grandmother was excluded. The HC disagreed, stating that grandparents play a vital role in a child's upbringing.
- Why This Matters
Critical for custody disputes where extended family is involved.
- Indian Express
Triple Talaq Invalid; Talaq-e-Ahsan Valid if Procedure Followed
The HC reaffirmed that instant triple talaq is invalid. However, Talaq-e-Ahsan is valid if proper notice and reconciliation attempts are made.
- Why This Matters
Important guidance for Muslim divorce proceedings such as Khula, Mubarat and Talaqnama drafting.
- New Indian Express
Working Woman Still Entitled to Maintenance: Bombay HC
The HC held that even if a woman is employed, she may receive maintenance when her husband earns significantly more and there is lifestyle disparity.
- Why This Matters
Important for maintenance disputes involving dual-income families.
- Times of India
Large Income Disparity Justifies Maintenance
The HC upheld maintenance for a woman earning ₹19,000/month, noting her husband's income exceeded ₹1 lakh, impacting lifestyle and standard of living.
- Why This Matters
Supports maintenance petitions where income disparity is significant.
- Times of India
Widow Cannot Be Removed from Matrimonial Home: Bombay HC
The HC ruled that preventing a widow from residing in her matrimonial home constitutes domestic violence and violates her shared-household rights.
- Why This Matters
Important for DV Act matters involving residential rights and matrimonial home disputes.
- Times of India
False & Repeated Criminal Complaints = Cruelty: Bombay HC
The HC upheld divorce on the ground that the wife had repeatedly filed false criminal complaints to harass the husband and his family.
- Why This Matters
Significant for cases involving misuse of 498A, false FIRs or repeated litigation abuse.
- Times of India
Calling Husband a "Womaniser" = Cruelty: Bombay HC
The HC held that making false allegations that damage the spouse's character and reputation amounts to mental cruelty. Divorce was granted on this ground.
- Why This Matters
Helpful for cases involving character assassination, defamation and emotional harm.