Jharkhand High Court rejects divorce plea based on inadequately proved mental disorder

The Jharkhand High Court has upheld rejection of a husband's divorce petition alleging cruelty and mental disorder. The bench held that isolated episodes do not establish the statutory ground without evidence of the condition's nature, duration and effect on marital life. It found the hospital material and witness testimony insufficient to prove the allegations. The Court also rejected uncorroborated cruelty claims. Its decision applies Sections 13(1)(ia) and 13(1)(iii) of the Hindu Marriage Act, preserving the distinction between an allegation of psychiatric illness and proof that continued cohabitation cannot reasonably be expected. The Family Court's refusal of divorce therefore remains undisturbed.