Divorce can't be granted citing cruelty based on WhatsApp chat without rebuttal chance to spouse: HC

MUMBAI: (Mar 4) Divorce cannot be granted on grounds of alleged cruelty merely based on WhatsApp chats without giving the spouse a chance to rebut, the Bombay High Court has said.

A bench of Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande last week quashed an order passed by the Nashik district family court allowing an application filed by a man seeking divorce from his wife on grounds of cruelty.

The woman moved the HC, challenging the family court order claiming that the same was passed ex-parte and without giving her an opportunity to oppose or put forth her arguments.