In a recent ruling, the Madhya Pradesh High Court upheld a family court’s decision to grant a man a divorce, citing mental cruelty caused by his wife's online conversations. The case, heard by Justices Vivek Rusia and Gajendra Singh, revolved around allegations that the wife was engaging in explicit chats about her sex life with male friends.
The court emphasized that while both partners are free to communicate with their friends, their conversations should remain “decent and dignified,” especially when interacting with the opposite gender. It noted that no spouse would be comfortable knowing their partner is indulging in inappropriate discussions with others. If such behavior continues despite objections, it could lead to emotional distress and be grounds for divorce.
This ruling aligns with a broader perspective on mental cruelty in marriages. In another case, the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that forcing a wife to discontinue her studies also amounts to mental cruelty, reinforcing the idea that a spouse’s well-being—both emotional and intellectual—should be respected.
The case highlights the evolving legal view on what constitutes cruelty in modern relationships, with digital communication playing a significant role. As personal boundaries shift in the digital age, courts are recognizing the emotional impact of online interactions on marital life.
