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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Rahul celebrates Holi with Cong workers at party office
New Delhi (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi celebrated Holi with party workers at the AICC's 24, Akbar Road office here on Wednesday, as he was smeared with colours by supporters and leaders.
Gandhi wished everyone a Holi filled with love and one that eliminates hatred.
Surrounded by workers, leaders and journalists at the party office, Gandhi applied colours on everyone and was smeared by 'gulal' in return.
Sharing pictures from the celebration on X, Gandhi said in a post in Hindi, "Heartiest greetings to all of you on the festival of colours and love, Holi. May the colours of Holi fill your lives with new hopes, new enthusiasm and countless happiness."
Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge greeted people on Holi.
"Holi is a festival that expresses the soul of our colorful, multicultural society. It celebrates the tradition of unity in diversity, mutual harmony, and brotherhood that has been the hallmark of our civilization for centuries," Kharge said in a post in Hindi on X.
"On this joyous occasion that bridges distances, I wish you all a very Happy Holi. May your life always be filled with the colors of happiness," Kharge said.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also greeted people on Holi.
"Heartiest greetings for Holi, the grand festival of togetherness, filled with the diverse colors of joy, enthusiasm, happiness, sweetness, and brotherhood," she said in a post in Hindi on X.
"Holi is a grand festival of lovingly embracing your family, friends and everyone else. Embrace everyone and share happiness with everyone. Happy Holi to all the people of the country!" she said.
रंगों और मोहब्बत के पर्व होली की आप सभी को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 4, 2026
होली के रंग आप सभी के जीवन को नई आशाओं, नए उमंग और अनगिनत खुशियों से भर दे। pic.twitter.com/sp10UNSl7v
