‘Quicker’ divorce proposal rings in a flood of queries

The recent news of the Centre proposing to make the divorce process faster has created a furore in the city among those seeking divorce.

The government wants to make changes in Indian family law, which has sought to bring irretrievable breakdown of marriage as a ground for seeking divorce, wife to get 50% of husband’s property after the divorce and the cooling period of six months to be shortened.

Matrimonial lawyers in the city have been flooded with calls and appointments, seeking to know more about it.

Without realising that the amendments are only a proposal and that it could take a lot of time before it becomes an Act, people want to get more information about it.

“Suddenly, there is a mad rush of people on how it will help them get a ‘quick divorce’. I have been getting at least 15 to 20 such calls daily,” said advocate Amol Sutrale, family law expert, practising at family court in Bandra and at the high court.
The family court receives around 9,000 cases every year on and 60% of which relates to divorce.

Mrinalini Deshmukh, a matrimonial lawyer, said that she receives at least four such calls every day. “A man approached me, asking about the liabilities he will face in case of a divorce. The proposal is already making men sweat.”

She said there are many grey areas in the proposal which need to be addressed.

The principle equity, which the amendment hopes to bring, is considered to be important. It provides for 50% distribution of property at the time of divorce. “The amendments if becomes an Act, will be boon to the family laws. But my only fear is that it should not get abused,” said advocate A Pathak.