Indian Divorce Act

Indian Divorce Act was enacted in the 1869. The word “Indian” was omitted with effect from 03.10.2001 by the Act 51 of 2001. The Divorce Act is relating to the divorce of persons professing the Christian religion. The Divorce Act provides for divorce on the grounds of adultery, conversion to another religion, unsoundness of mind, incurable form of leprosy or venereal disease, unheard of for seven years, non-consummation of marriage, failure to comply with order for restitution of conjugal rights, desertion and cruelty. A wife can have the additional ground of husband being guilty of rape, sodomy or bestiality. Under Section 10-A of the Divorce Act, dissolution of marriage by mutual consent is possible.