Jharkhand High Court Upholds Divorce in Case of Concealed Murder Conviction
The Jharkhand High Court has made a significant ruling in a marital dispute. It upheld a divorce granted to a husband after his wife allegedly concealed crucial facts before their marriage. The court emphasized that trust forms the very foundation of marriage. Once broken, it becomes impossible to repair.
Court Dismisses Wife's Appeal Against Divorce Decree
A bench comprising Justices Sujit Narayan Prasad and Arun Kumar Rai dismissed the appeal filed by the wife. She was challenging a family court order that dissolved the marriage under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act. The husband had originally filed the plea for divorce.
The court found the wife's conduct unacceptable. She had concealed her true age and the fact she was convicted for life in a murder case. This concealment happened before the marriage was contracted in 2019.
The court held that this caused severe mental agony to the husband. The breach of trust was so profound that living together became an impossibility for the couple.
Trust is the Bedrock of Marriage, Says Court
In its order, the bench elaborated on the importance of trust in a marital relationship. The relationship between wife and husband is built on mutual trust and respect. When this trust shatters, the foundation of the marriage collapses.
The court stated that marriage is a partnership of companionship and shared experiences. All of this depends on the fundamental pillar of trust between the partners.
Family Court's Findings and Cruelty Allegations
The High Court reviewed the family court's findings. Testimonies presented on behalf of the husband revealed the wife had hidden multiple factual aspects before the wedding.
After careful consideration of the evidence and pleadings, the family court concluded the wife had inflicted cruelty upon the husband. The key factors were:
- Concealment of her actual age.
- Failure to disclose her life conviction in a murder case related to the killing of her alleged lover.
Based on these concealments, the family court granted the decree for dissolution of marriage. The High Court found no perversity in this order and saw no reason to interfere.
Background of the Marital Dispute
The couple's marriage was solemnized in 2019. Soon after, the husband approached the Family Court. He alleged his wife had suppressed vital information before their union.
The husband claimed that after marriage, his wife threatened to kill him and his family members. He also stated there was no conjugal relationship between them from the start.
The wife denied all allegations. She contended that all details about the criminal case were disclosed prior to the marriage. She expressed a desire to save the marriage, but accused the husband of being adamant about divorce.
The Jharkhand High Court, however, sided with the husband's version and the family court's decision. It reinforced the legal principle that transparency and honesty are non-negotiable for a valid marital contract.
