The Uttarakhand High Court has advised a woman, who sought divorce alleging her husband’s family followed self-styled godman Rampal and not Hinduism, to undergo marital counselling. The bench said counselling could help the couple explore the possibility of reconciliation or an amicable settlement.
A division bench of Justice Ravindra Maithani and Justice Alok Mahara made the suggestion while hearing the woman’s appeal challenging the family court’s decision that had earlier rejected her plea for divorce.
In her petition, the woman said she could not continue living with her husband because of “fundamental differences in faith and way of life.” She alleged that her in-laws had stopped her from practising Hinduism and that the idols and temple in their home were removed and packed away.
According to her, the family’s adherence to the teachings of spiritual leader Rampal meant they did not consider themselves Hindus and refused to perform traditional Hindu rituals. She cited the example of her husband declining to conduct the namkaran sanskar (naming ceremony) of their son, claiming that his spiritual beliefs did not recognise such rituals.
The woman argued that Hinduism was “a way of life” for her, and being prevented from practising it amounted to mental cruelty.
After hearing both sides, the High Court refrained from passing a final order and instead directed the couple to attend marital counselling sessions, saying reconciliation should be explored before dissolving the marriage.
