Evaluation of multi-faceted matrimonial litigation and separation duration

A prolonged period of physical separation spanning a decade, coupled with an overwhelming multiplicity of criminal and civil litigations initiated by both spouses, serves as clear testimony of a broken marital bond. When parties reside together for a minuscule period—such as sixty-five days—at the very inception of marriage and subsequently spend over ten years fighting adversarial legal battles, the foundation of the matrimonial relationship is completely destroyed. The continuous filing of numerous complaints, police reports, maintenance applications, execution petitions, and writ petitions across different states demonstrates absolute bitterness and an irreconcilable chasm. Courts evaluate these cumulative judicial proceedings to ascertain whether any emotional or marital ties survive between the couple. The sheer volume of reciprocal litigation underlines the impossibility of rehabilitation or normal domestic life. In such extreme scenarios, keeping the legal tie alive merely feeds ongoing animosity rather than serving any social or marital purpose. (Neha Lal v. Abhishek Kumar | 2026 INSC 73)