Gujarat High Court Divorce Over Onion-Garlic Sparks Debate on Bizarre Grounds in India
Courts Face Strange Divorce Petitions Beyond Traditional Grounds
A woman filed for divorce because her husband only replied with “ok” on WhatsApp.
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 13, 2025:
The Gujarat High Court recently upheld a divorce granted to a husband after his wife refused to cook food with onion and garlic, citing cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act. This unusual case has drawn attention to the growing number of bizarre divorce petitions in India, where couples cite reasons ranging from lifestyle differences to quirky habits.
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While cruelty, desertion, and adultery remain the standard legal grounds, courts across India have increasingly encountered petitions based on unconventional reasons that highlight the changing dynamics of modern relationships.
The Gujarat Case: Onion-Garlic Dispute
- The husband argued that his wife’s refusal to cook food with onion and garlic amounted to cruelty.
- The trial court granted divorce, and the Gujarat High Court upheld the decision.
- The Court observed that persistent refusal to adapt to a spouse’s dietary preferences can cause mental agony and qualify as cruelty.
This ruling has sparked debate about how far courts should go in recognizing lifestyle differences as valid grounds for divorce.
Other Bizarre Divorce Grounds in India
Indian courts have witnessed several unusual petitions over the years:
- Cricket Obsession: A wife sought divorce because her husband spent all his time watching cricket matches instead of paying attention to her.
- Pet Disputes: A couple fought over keeping dogs at home, leading to a divorce petition.
- Snoring Issues: One spouse claimed the partner’s loud snoring made marital life unbearable.
- WhatsApp Habits: A woman filed for divorce because her husband only replied with “ok” on WhatsApp.
- Non-existent Law Confusion: In Delhi, a family court judge once granted divorce under a non-existent provision, later corrected by the High Court.
- Supernatural Claims: Some petitions have even cited ghosts or black magic as reasons for marital breakdown.
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Expert Views
Legal experts say these cases reflect:
- Changing social expectations: Couples today demand emotional compatibility, not just traditional roles.
- Rise in litigation: More people are willing to approach courts for relief, even on unconventional grounds.
- Judicial balancing act: Courts must distinguish between genuine cruelty and trivial disagreements.
Social Context
India’s divorce rate remains relatively low compared to Western countries, but urban areas are witnessing a steady rise. The reasons are diverse:
- Lifestyle differences.
- Technology-driven communication gaps.
- Greater awareness of legal rights.
The onion-garlic case is symbolic of how small domestic issues can escalate into full-blown legal battles.
Conclusion
The Gujarat High Court’s ruling shows that even dietary preferences can become grounds for divorce if they cause mental cruelty. Alongside, bizarre petitions—from cricket obsession to WhatsApp replies—illustrate how modern relationships are tested by everyday habits.
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As society evolves, courts will continue to face the challenge of deciding whether such reasons justify ending a marriage.
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