Divorce Act 1869

Two Christians in Mumbai have been married for eight years. She left home two years ago and will not return; he wants the marriage ended so that he can move on. Which court does he approach, on what ground, and can he marry again afterwards? Another couple wants to part without blaming anyone. A third wants only a court order that a husband who deserted his wife cannot seize her earnings. One 1869 statute, amended in 2001, answers all three.

In two minutes

The Divorce Act 1869 is the matrimonial statute for Christians: it lets the District Court dissolve a marriage on listed grounds or by mutual consent, annul a void marriage, grant judicial separation, restitution of conjugal rights and protection orders, and make orders on alimony, settlements and children.

The rest of this chapter

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