The Delhi High Court upheld a Family Court order directing a DNA test, ruling that a child’s right to know biological parentage outweighs an adult’s concern over reputation. The Court observed that truth cannot be suppressed merely because it causes personal discomfort.
The Kerala High Court held that Christian women cannot file divorce petitions from their current place of residence under the Divorce Act, 1869. While dismissing a plea, it urged Parliament to amend the law to align with modern matrimonial statutes.
The Delhi High Court warned that spouses cannot use intimate photographs to shame each other, stressing that privacy and dignity must remain protected and matrimonial disputes should never become contests of mutual humiliation through private material.
The Gujarat High Court held that a registered marriage certificate alone cannot validate a Hindu marriage if essential ceremonies under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 were not performed. The Court said registration only proves an already solemnised marriage and cannot create a valid marital bond.
The Chhattisgarh High Court held that a long-term live-in relationship between consenting adults creates a presumption of consensual physical relations. The Court ruled that a later refusal to marry cannot automatically amount to rape and dismissed an appeal challenging the accused’s acquittal.
The Allahabad High Court upheld a maintenance order directing a husband to pay his wife, ruling that a PM Awas Yojana house cannot replace maintenance rights. The Court said an able-bodied husband cannot avoid responsibility by claiming unemployment or low income under law.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that a wife cannot be denied maintenance under Section 125 CrPC merely because her parents are supporting her. The Court held that parental assistance does not absolve a husband of his statutory obligation to maintain his wife.
The Karnataka High Court ruled that maintenance cannot be granted to wives automatically without examining financial circumstances. Justice Chillakur Sumalatha said courts must consider income, independence and responsibilities of both spouses before passing orders, setting aside a direction requiring a husband to pay Rs 20,000 monthly.
The Jharkhand High Court upheld a divorce decree after observing that a 36-year separation had turned the marriage into a “dead wood marriage.” While ending the decades-long relationship, the Court increased permanent alimony for the wife from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 40 lakh.
The Pune family court granted interim custody of a minor child to his Singapore-based father, observing that the child’s welfare would be better served in his care. The court noted alleged non-compliance with orders and stressed that custody must focus on the child’s best interests.
