Concept:
Under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, marriage is considered a sacred bond but is also governed by statutory legal provisions regarding its termination.
Step 1: Identifying the Statutory Authority.
A decree of divorce is required to legally end a Hindu marriage.
Customary divorces through Panchayats are generally not recognized today.
The law requires a formal judicial scrutiny of the grounds for divorce (like cruelty, desertion, or mutual consent).
Step 2: Determining the valid institution.
Only a
Court of Law (specifically a Family Court) can dissolve a marriage.
Any other method of dissolution is considered invalid and void in the eyes of the law.