Couples prefer mutual consent for getting divorce, says data

Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Chandigarh, July 6

Mutual consent is emerging as the most preferred way for couples who are approaching the Chandigarh District Court for divorce. As per the latest data, around 35 cases of divorce have been decided by the court from January 1 to June 30 and of these, of which 32 were decided through mutual consent.

32 cases decided through mutual consent this yr

As per the latest data, around 2,094 matrimonial dispute cases are pending in the district courts filed under the Hindu Marriage Act. Of the 2,094 matrimonial cases, 590 were filed in 2024 and 35 have been decided so far. Thirtytwo cases were settled through mutual consent.

As per the latest data, around 2,094 matrimonial dispute cases are pending in the district courts filed under the Hindu Marriage Act. Such cases come at the third number in the list of pending cases of civil nature. The data also shows that a total 23,337 cases of civil nature are pending in the district courts till June, 10,309 civil suits and 2,692 cases of accidents claims. Of the 2,094 matrimonial cases, 590 were filed in 2024, and of these 35 have been decided so far.

Munish Dewan, advocate and former vice-chairman of the District Bar Association, Chandigarh, said getting a divorce was not an easy process. Many times it becomes traumatic and a time consuming process due to allegations and counter allegations.

With the changed scenario, couples belonging to the new generation have no time for all this. Once they know that their difference are irrevocable they decide to end the marriage through mutual consent. Divorce through mutual consent not only saves time, money and effort, but is also less traumatic.

He said the recent judgment of the Supreme Court for waiving the six-month cooling period has also allowed the courts to decide the cases fast. A court can now decide the divorce cases within six months, which was not possible earlier.

Sunil Toni, former president of the District Bar Association, said usually a divorce can take years to come through and the mediation does not work many times. He said mutual consent and the judgment of the Supreme Court has paved the way for a quick divorce, which is also beneficial for the children. He added that with issues like finances and custody of children being amicably decided, divorce becomes easier through mutual consent.

Advocate Jasbir Singh Dadwal said women of young generation were financially independent. He said the stigma related with divorce was no longer a cause of worry for women as they prefer to end marriage by mutual consent and start a new life quickly. He said in one of his recent cases a woman decided to end her marriage because her husband and in-laws were forcing her to leave the job.