A Happy End to Unhappy Marriages

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To make divorce easier under the Hindu Marriage Act and the Special Marriage Act, the Union Cabinet recently cleared amendments for introduction of ‘irretrievable breakdown of marriage’ as an additional ground. The amendment will enable either the husband or wife to seek divorce on this ground.

This move of the Indian government is sure to make it easier for couples to get divorced. The government felt that the Hindu Marriage Act largely followed in the country should be altered to allow this ground for divorce. So far, a divorce in most cases was granted by courts only if there was mutual consent or by providing evidence of abuse or adultery.

The proposed amendment is surely a step in the right direction as it aims at making divorce a speedier and hassle-free option. The question however remains if Indian society is ready for a change.

There is no doubt that divorce cases are on rise in India, though still much less than many other countries. The numbers are 11 marriages per 1000 end in divorce, as compared to 400 in 1000 in the US and 200 in 1000 in China.

Even the marriage counselors, lawyers and psychologists admit the changing trend and feel if the marriage is not working out, either of the partners has the right to live in dignity, rather than ruining his or her life in a troubled matrimony.  The change has come for better especially in the conservative Indians who still believe in sustaining the sacred institution of marriage even at the cost of someone’s happiness. It’s time to change with changing times, especially when it’s about shaping the life ahead.