Karnataka court grants divorce due to bigamy and cruelty

In a landmark judgment, a family court in Karnataka has granted a divorce to a woman on the grounds of bigamy and cruelty. The court found that the husband had entered into a second marriage while still legally married to the woman, a clear case of bigamy under Indian law. Additionally, the court also concluded that the woman had been subjected to cruelty throughout their marriage.

The case dates back to 2018, when the woman approached the court seeking a divorce. She claimed that her husband had secretly married another woman without her consent or knowledge, thereby violating her marital rights. The petitioner further alleged that her husband subjected her to physical and mental cruelty, making her life unbearable.

In its ruling, the family court emphasized the importance of protecting the sanctity of marriage and upholding the dignity of women in marital relationships. The court found that the husband’s actions not only amounted to bigamy but also constituted cruelty under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code.

The woman provided substantial evidence, including witness testimony and documentation, to support her claims. The court, after reviewing the facts and arguments presented, determined that the woman had faced significant emotional and physical abuse and that her marriage had broken down irretrievably.

The husband, who denied the allegations of cruelty and bigamy, was unable to present sufficient evidence to refute the claims. In its judgment, the court granted the divorce and ordered that the woman be given a fair share of the marital assets.

Legal experts have hailed the ruling as a significant step in protecting women’s rights in marriage. The decision also serves as a reminder of the seriousness of bigamy and cruelty in marital relationships, emphasizing the importance of legal recourse for those facing such challenges.

As the case sets a precedent, it is expected to encourage more women to come forward and seek justice in cases of marital abuse and bigamy. This judgment sends a strong message that the legal system is committed to upholding the rights of individuals in matrimonial disputes.