Yes, a husband can seek divorce on the ground of cruelty under Indian law. Cruelty can be either physical or mental, and if the husband can prove that the conduct of his wife has caused serious harm, suffering, or made it unreasonable to continue the marriage, he may file a divorce petition.
Key points:
Legal ground: Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and similar personal laws, cruelty is recognized as a valid ground for divorce.
Physical cruelty: This includes acts of physical violence, threats of harm, or any behavior causing physical injury.
Mental cruelty: This may include:
False allegations or repeated accusations
Constant humiliation or harassment
Severe emotional distress
Unreasonable denial of marital relations
Conduct that makes married life impossible to continue
Proof required: The husband must provide evidence supporting the claim of cruelty, such as messages, documents, witness statements, medical records, or other relevant proof.
Court decision: The family court examines the facts and circumstances of the case before deciding whether cruelty has been established.