Karnataka High Court Rejects Divorce Based on Unproved Mental Illness

The Karnataka High Court on 24 September dismissed a husband’s appeal seeking divorce on cruelty and mental-disorder grounds. The court found that hospital records had not been proved through a doctor or expert and did not establish the statutory threshold for mental disorder. It said unsubstantiated allegations attacking a spouse’s mental health can themselves amount to legal cruelty, but irretrievable breakdown is not a statutory divorce ground available to the High Court.

Judge / Bench — Justice Ashok S. Kinagi and Justice Subramanya Rangarao. Judgment authored by Justice Subramanya Rangarao.

Advocates appearing — For the appellant — Prakash Yeli. For the respondent — S.B. Hangarki.