The Evolution and Judicial Development of Cruelty under Hindu Marriage Law in India
Lead author · Corresponding
Dr. Shivani Negi
Assistant Professor at KES’ Shri Jayantilal H. Patel Law College, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Abstract
The concept of “cruelty” under Hindu marriage law has undergone significant transformation over the decades. Originally interpreted narrowly to include only physical violence, judicial interpretation has expanded it to include mental, emotional, psychological, and economic cruelty. This paper analyses the evolution of the doctrine of cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA), with reference to landmark Indian case laws.
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