False Allegation of Calling Husband a Drunkard is Mental Cruelty – Major Judgment by Madhya Pradesh High Court
In today’s society, one of the biggest issues affecting marital life is the breakdown of trust. When false allegations are made, the relationship becomes even weaker. A very important judgment from the Madhya Pradesh High Court has clarified that— “Falsely accusing the husband of being a habitual drunkard amounts to mental cruelty.”
👉 Brief Background of the Case
This case relates to X vs. Y (First Appeal No. 334), where the wife accused the husband of regularly consuming alcohol, creating fights at home, and disturbing the family. However, the court found that no medical report, complaint, witness, neighbour, or documentary evidence was produced.
The Court observed— “Making a false allegation is easy, but proving it is essential. When the allegation is false, it affects the husband’s reputation and mental health.”
👉 Key Facts of the Case
- The couple had been married for several years.
- The wife repeatedly called the husband a drunkard.
- The husband stated before the court that he does not drink at all and the wife was damaging his reputation.
- The Court found that:
- No complaint was ever filed
- No medical evidence existed
- No police report was made
- No eyewitness supported the allegations
Thus, the Court concluded that the allegations were completely false and fabricated.
👉 Why It Amounts to Mental Cruelty
The Court held that a false allegation of alcoholism:
- Harms the husband’s social reputation
- Damages his image in front of relatives and society
- Creates problems at the workplace
- Causes mental stress, anxiety, and depression
This is mental cruelty, giving the husband a valid ground for divorce.
👉 Legal Basis: Section 13(1)(ia), Hindu Marriage Act
Under this provision, any form of mental or physical cruelty is a valid ground for divorce. The Court clearly stated— “False allegations also constitute mental cruelty.”
Important Supreme Court Judgments Cited:
- Vishwanath Agrawal v. Sarla Agrawal
- Narendra v. K. Meena
- K. Srinivas v. K. Sunita
These judgments consistently hold that false allegations poison the matrimonial relationship and constitute cruelty.
👉 Final Judgment by the High Court
- All allegations made by the wife were held to be false.
- The Court declared it as mental cruelty.
- The husband was granted divorce.
- The Family Court’s earlier decision was set aside.