Adultery as a Ground for Divorce under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 lays down several grounds for divorce under Section13 , one of the most significant being adultery . Adultery is considered a serious breach of trust in a marital relationship, as it involves one spouse engaging in voluntary sexual relations with someone outside the marriage. In this article, we will explore how adultery is defined under Indian law, how it is proven in court, and its legal consequences for divorce proceedings. What is Adultery? In simple terms, adultery means a married person engaging in voluntary sexual intercourse with a person other than their spouse . It is seen as a violation of the marital bond and often leads to irreconcilable differences in the relationship. Unlike cruelty or desertion, adultery is a more direct act of betrayal , making it a strong ground for divorce under Section 13(1)(i) of the Hindu Marriage Act. Legal Definition under the Hindu Marriage Act Section 13(1)(i) states that either spouse may ...