SHOBHA RANI vs MADHUKAR REDDI

The Supreme Court held that demands for dowry constitute cruelty under Section 13(1)(i-a) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and can entitle a wife to a decree for dissolution of marriage. The Court clarified that cruelty can be mental or physical and does not require proof of intention, as established under Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. The Court overturned the lower courts' decisions, emphasizing that the nature of the conduct and its impact on the spouse must be considered in determining cruelty.