Divorce can't be granted citing cruelty based on WhatsApp chat without rebuttal chance to spouse: HC
Mumbai (PTI): 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.
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The family court, in its May 2025 order, relied on a WhatsApp chat submitted by the man in which the woman demanded that they shift from Nashik to Pune to live separately, and also in which she allegedly made derogatory comments against her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.
The family court noted that the wife had used pressure tactics, emotional blackmail and intemperate language in the WhatsApp chat and held that cruelty was meted against the husband and hence he was entitled to divorce.
The high court, in its order, noted that the family court failed to give an opportunity to the wife to rebut the evidence (WhatsApp chats) submitted by the husband.
"Merely relying on the WhatsApp chat, the divorce decree cannot be granted, since it is not proved by leading evidence," the HC said.
Hence, the order granting decree of divorce needs to be set aside and the matter needs to be remanded to the family court so that the wife is granted an opportunity to be heard and submit evidence, it said.
The court said that while the family court decides the matter afresh, the estranged couple can explore the possibility of settlement through mediation.
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Delhi Police busts LPG black marketing racket in Bawana, 75 cylinders seized; 1 held
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has busted an LPG cylinder hoarding and black marketing racket in the Bawana area, an officer said on Friday.
A 50-year-old man, identified as Anil, has been arrested and 75 cylinders seized, he said.
The accused was apprehended following a tip-off about the illegal storage and transportation of LPG cylinders in the industrial area.
Acting on the input, a police team laid a picket near District Park in Bawana on Thursday evening. Around 4 pm, a pickup truck was intercepted and checked, leading to the recovery of 27 LPG cylinders, including both domestic and commercial units.
"When questioned, the accused failed to produce any valid documents, including a licence, permit, stock register or proof of ownership for the cylinders," the officer said.
During interrogation, Anil revealed that more cylinders were stored at nearby premises. Based on his disclosure, police raided two rooms and an iron shed near a factory in the area.
"A total of 48 additional cylinders were recovered, taking the overall seizure to 75. The cylinders were stored without safety measures or legal authorisation, posing a serious risk," the officer said.
Disruptions in maritime supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing US-Israel and Iran conflict have caused an LPG crisis in India.
