Allahabad HC Allows Mutual Divorce Within One Year If Criminal Cases Filed by Spouses

The Allahabad High Court ruled that a marriage can be dissolved by mutual consent within one year if one spouse files criminal cases against the other, citing exceptional hardship or depravity under Section 14(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act.  

The couple married in August 2024, but subsequent criminal complaints, including serious allegations, led them to seek divorce before completing a year of marriage.  

The Family Court had rejected their plea, but the High Court overturned this decision, allowing them to proceed with a mutual divorce after six months from March 26, 2025.