7 Bangalore couples parted ways on V-Day

Seven city couples parted ways on Valentine’s Day. While others exchanged chocolates, roses, gifts or wine on the most romantic day of the year, these couples were busy filing divorce papers in the family court.

Lawyers at the family court were surprised by the fall in number of cases. During last Valentine’s Day, 25 divorce cases were filed.
“This shows Valentine’s Day was special for most city couples. Last time, we were boggled since 25 couples had filed for divorce,” said a lawyer requesting anonymity.

However, divorce cases are on the rise in Bangalore. Last year, 4,394 cases were filed.

“The tradition-bound, conservative, and family-centric society has turned into a divorce spiral after the IT boom from 2005,” said AV Amarnathan, an advocate.  “Dissatisfaction in a marriage is more verbalised now. It’s more vocal and more acceptable. The element of individual choice is very, very strong. Earlier, there was a sense of give and take. That is missing now,” he said.

Arushi Khanna (name changed on request), who works in an IT company, explained why she and her husband went for a divorce.

“Before marriage, we used to wait for Valentine’s Day to give surprises to each other through gifts. But things changed as both of us could not give enough time to each other due to work stress and demanding working hours in the office. This led to divorce,” she said. Financial stability is another reason for rise in divorce cases. “Couples don’t try to work out the marriage as they are confident they can lead a life independently as both are financially stable,” said Amarnathan.