Delhi High Court Upholds Divorce Decree for Septuagenarian Couple

The Delhi High Court has upheld a lower court’s decision granting divorce to a couple in their 70s, citing the wife’s unsubstantiated accusations and lack of effort towards reconciliation.

Key Points:

• Couple’s Situation:
  • Married in 1973, separated since 2013 (wife claims 1980).
  • Both parties are Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
  • Have two children.
• Divorce Proceedings:
  • Husband filed for divorce in 2018 alleging cruelty by the wife.
  • Wife contested the claim and accused the husband of infidelity and financial neglect.
• Court’s Observations:
  • High court noted the couple’s advanced age and the wife’s continued conflict.
  • Wife’s accusations against the husband were deemed unsubstantiated.
  • Wife’s lack of efforts towards reconciliation despite years of separation was seen as a clear indication of a fractured relationship.
• Ruling:
  • High court dismissed the wife’s appeal and upheld the family court’s decree granting divorce to the husband.

Additional Notes:

• The judgment emphasizes the importance of genuine efforts towards reconciliation in marriage.
• False accusations can be detrimental to the marital bond and serve as grounds for dissolving the marriage.
• The court acknowledged the financial settlement received by the wife.