JAGDISH SINGH vs MADHURI DEVI

The Supreme Court held that the conduct of the respondent-wife constituted mental and physical cruelty under Section 13(1)(ia) of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, justifying the husband's plea for divorce. The Court found that the wife's refusal to cohabit and her abusive behavior towards the husband and his family created an intolerable situation, leading to the husband's mental agony. The High Court's reversal of the Family Court's decree of divorce was set aside, and the decree of divorce was restored in favor of the appellant-husband.