Mental Cruelty Against Husbands in India: A Critical Analysis of Matrimonial Law and the Need for Gender-Neutral Protection

Yumkham Sarojbala; Chodang Pamreishang; Thingbaijam Lingthoingambi

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.86525

Mental Cruelty Against Husbands in India: A Critical Analysis of Matrimonial Law and the Need for Gender-Neutral Protection

Author(s)	Dr. Yumkham Sarojbala, Mr. Chodang Pamreishang, Thingbaijam Lingthoingambi
Country	India
Abstract	The concept of cruelty in matrimonial relationships has undergone significant transformation with changing social, psychological and legal realities. Traditionally, Indian matrimonial and criminal laws have predominantly addressed women as victims of domestic and marital cruelty, while the experiences of men facing psychological and emotional abuse have received comparatively limited legal and social recognition. This article critically examines the phenomenon of mental cruelty against husbands in India, with particular emphasis on its judicial interpretation and the limitations of the existing legal framework. Mental cruelty is inherently subjective and may arise from persistent humiliation, unfounded allegations, emotional abuse, deliberate neglect, coercive behaviour, public degradation, and other conduct that causes severe psychological distress and makes continued matrimonial cohabitation unreasonable. The article analyses the approach of Indian courts in determining mental cruelty, emphasizing that there is no fixed or universal test and that each matrimonial relationship must be assessed in its social, psychological and factual context. It further examines the difficulties faced by husbands in proving psychological abuse, particularly because such cruelty often lacks tangible physical evidence and is compounded by prevailing gender stereotypes. The study highlights the gap created by women-centric criminal and protective legislation, while acknowledging the continuing importance of safeguards against violence and abuse against women. From a human-rights perspective, the article argues that dignity, equality and protection from cruel or degrading treatment should extend to every individual irrespective of gender. It concludes by advocating a balanced, gender-sensitive and rights-based approach, supported by clearer judicial standards and gender-neutral legal mechanisms, while ensuring that existing protections for genuine victims of abuse are not weakened.
Keywords	Mental Cruelty, Husbands, Matrimonial Law, Gender-Neutral Protection, Domestic Violence, Indian Judiciary, Human Rights, Matrimonial Cruelty
Field	Sociology > Administration / Law / Management
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-08-26
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.86525

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Mental Cruelty Against Husbands in India: A Critical Analysis of Matrimonial Law and the Need for Gender-Neutral Protection

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