Patna High Court: Schizophrenia Not Valid Ground for Divorce Unless It Makes Marital Life Unbearable

The Patna High Court upheld the Family Court's decision rejecting the husband's divorce plea under Sections 13(1)(ia) (cruelty) and (ib) (desertion) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.

The Court said that just having schizophrenia isn’t enough reason for divorce unless it’s clearly shown that the condition is so serious that living together is not possible.

The appellant failed to provide medical or documentary evidence of his wife's alleged mental disorder or leg disability. The Court stressed that making unclear or unsupported accusations is not enough to get a divorce.

Finding the husband at fault for desertion, the appeal was dismissed and the Family Court’s judgment was affirmed.