|
Grounds for Divorce |
Previous Law |
New Law |
|
Adultery |
Only the cheated-on spouse could file for divorce |
Both spouses can file for divorce |
|
Mental/Physical Cruelty |
Includes physical violence, harassment, and mental torture, but did not have a clear definition |
Includes physical violence, harassment, and mental torture, now also includes withholding financial support or denying access to a child |
|
Desertion |
Must have been for a continuous period of 2 years |
Reduced to a continuous period of 1 year |
|
Conversion |
Not recognized as grounds for divorce |
Recognized as grounds for divorce |
|
Irretrievable Breakdown |
Not recognized as grounds for divorce |
Recognized as grounds for divorce, but requires a one-year separation period |
Note: These changes apply only to Hindus as part of the 2023 amendment to the Hindu Marriage Act. Other religious groups may have different grounds for divorce under their own marriage laws.