Govt makes divorce less painful; gives more power to women

New Delhi, Mar 24: In what can be considered good news for Hindu couples all set to part ways, the government has made sweeping changes to the Hindu Marriage Act. The amendments made include allowing courts to waive or reduce the waiting period of six months that is in existence before moving a joint motion in case of divorce by mutual consent. The other landmark amendment is a provision to ensure that the women get a share in property acquired during the marriage.

These changes are likely to be implemented in The Marriage Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010, which was introduced in Parliament last year. This will reflect in the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, and the Special Marriage Act, 1954. The changes were incorporated taking into account the suggestions made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice. The redrafted Bill could be introduced afresh during this session.

To make it easier for couples intending to get a divorce, the government proposes to insert “irretrievable breakdown of marriage” as a new criteria for parting ways. The 6-month period before the granting of divorce has also been relaxed with the reasoning that there was no point in prolonging the marriage when both parties are unable to live as husband and wife.

With more power to the women, as per the amendments cleared by the Cabinet, the court can also decide how much of the property acquired during the marriage can be shared. The redrafted bill also states that adopted children will also have the same rights as the biological children in case of a divorce.

OneIndia News