Question

Under Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, which of the following grounds is available to a wife only:

• A. Adultery
• B. Desertion
• C. Cruelty
• D. Rape, sodomy or bestiality

Hint:

Section 13(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act lists grounds for divorce available to *both* spouses. Section 13(2) is a special list of grounds available *only to the wife*, including the husband's commission of rape, sodomy, or bestiality.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Section 13 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, deals with divorce. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Section 13(1) lists the grounds for divorce that are available to both the husband and the wife. These include adultery, cruelty, and desertion.} \\ \bullet & \text{Section 13(2) lists additional grounds that are available exclusively to the wife. One of these grounds, under Section 13(2)(ii), is that the husband has, since the solemnization of the marriage, been guilty of rape, sodomy, or bestiality. These are serious sexual offences, and the law provides the wife with a specific right to seek divorce on this basis.} \\ \end{array}\]