Court Affirms Divorce on Grounds of Cruelty; Directs Husband to Return Wife's Jewels and Articles
The Madras High Court's Division Bench, comprising Justices C.V. Karthikeyan and K. Rajasekar, delivered a significant judgment on June 19, 2026, dissolving the marriage between Vikas Jain and Sneha Jain. The dissolution was granted under Section 13(1)(i-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, on the grounds of cruelty, including questioning the paternity of the child, seclusion from family activities, and refusal to return sreedhana articles.
The judgment came as a resolution to multiple civil miscellaneous appeals arising from the VI Additional Principal Family Court's orders. Sneha Jain had initially sought divorce, alleging mental cruelty by Vikas Jain and his family. Her claims included being excluded from family activities, body shaming, and the extreme measure of having her child's paternity questioned by her husband.
The court also dismissed Vikas Jain's petition for restitution of conjugal rights, highlighting the lack of bona fide intention and continuous acts of cruelty, which negated any potential reconciliation. Additionally, the court overturned the trial court's decision regarding the return of sreedhana articles, directing Vikas Jain to return the items or compensate their value with interest.
In its detailed judgment, the court underscored the importance of dignity within the institution of marriage and recognized the severe impact of mental cruelty on the affected spouse. The court's decision to order the return of sreedhana articles emphasizes the autonomy and rights of women over their property, challenging traditional perceptions of joint family ownership.
This landmark ruling reinforces the legal framework against domestic cruelty and the protection of women's rights in marital relationships.
Bottom line:-
Dissolution of marriage granted on grounds of cruelty, including mental agony inflicted by questioning the paternity of the child, seclusion from family, and refusal to return sreedhana articles.
Statutory provision(s): Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 Section 13(1)(i-a), Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 Section 9.
Vikas Jain v. Sneha Jain, (Madras)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2933910
