Breakdown of marriage is ground for divorce: SC

New Delhi, Apr 21: The Supreme Court today issued notices on a petition filed by a man against the High Court order setting aside the decree of divorce issued in favour of him by the trial court.

A Bench, comprising Justice Ruma Pal, Justice C K Thakker and Justice Markandey Katju, issued notices, after hearing the counsel for the petitioner, Vikas Chandra Sinha, saying that irretrievable breakdown of marriage is a ground for divorce as per the ruling of the Supreme Court.

Justice Katju reacted sharply and said, ''I disagree with the judgement of this court. The judges must exercise restraint. It is for Parliament to make law.'' Sinha's wife Debjani Sinha had challenged the decree of divorce in the High Court on the grounds that the decree for dissolution of marriage had been passed by the trial court without hearing her and that she was not even made a party.

The respondent is the second wife of the petitioner.

UNI