Wife’s Apathy Towards Aged In-laws Amounts to Cruelty: Delhi High Court

The Delhi High Court ruled that a wife’s persistent neglect and apathy towards her aged in-laws can amount to mental cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act. The court observed that marital obligations extend beyond the spouse and include caring for family members dependent on the household. The bench found that continuous indifference and refusal to perform family responsibilities constituted sufficient grounds for divorce. The ruling emphasizes the moral and legal duties within marriage and the evolving judicial interpretation of “cruelty” in family relationships.