Husband filed contested divorce; marriage kept secret, no registration

Question

Husband filed contested divorce; marriage kept secret, no registration

26-Jan-2026 (In Divorce Law)

I am a female respondent in a contested divorce case filed by my husband under Section 13(1)(ia) HMA before the Family Court, Gurugram (case filed in Nov 2023). The matter is ongoing. Key facts: Marriage solemnized in December 2021 as per Hindu rites. Marriage was deliberately kept secret by the husband and his family. Marriage was never registered despite repeated requests. There was no continuous cohabitation; Reply has been filed and also request for maintenance interim argument pending

Answers (5)

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Adv. Kuber Hooda Adv. Kuber Hooda

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Advocate Ajay Godara LawRato · Accepted Answer · 2026-01-26T17:41:54+05:30

Answer #2

helo i am advocate Ajay Godara form Hisar Haryana mana app ki puri detail check kar le ha please case ki puri detail send Kara taki ham app ki puri help kar saka app hame whtup ya email kar sakta hai app ki puri help kar saka

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Advocate Sumegh Garg LawRato · Accepted Answer · 2026-01-26T18:54:41+05:30

Answer #3

Hello, You have disclosed the factual background of the matter; however, you have not specified the precise legal issue, relief, or clarification you are seeking. In the absence of a specific query, it is not possible to render a meaningful legal opinion. You are requested to clearly state your exact question or the assistance required.

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Adv. Sumegh Garg Adv. Sumegh Garg

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Advocate Raman Sahu LawRato · Accepted Answer · 2026-01-27T12:22:49+05:30

Answer #4

Marriage is valid even if not registered. Hindu rites are enough. Husband hiding the marriage and not keeping wife is mental cruelty on wife. Husband has to prove cruelty. Only allegations will not help him. Wife should strongly press interim maintenance under Section 24 HMA. Also file maintenance under Section 125 CrPC for regular monthly support. File case under Domestic Violence Act for maintenance, residence and compensation. Ask court to order husband to pay lawyer fees. These facts can help to dismiss husband’s divorce case.

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Adv. Raman Sahu Adv. Raman Sahu

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Advocate Preeti Dalal LawRato · Accepted Answer · 2026-02-02T11:52:52+05:30

Answer #5

In a petition under Section 13(1)(ia) HMA, the husband must strictly prove cruelty. Mere absence of continuous cohabitation or non-registration of marriage does not amount to cruelty. As the marriage was solemnized as per Hindu rites, it is valid in law. The wife, being legally wedded, is entitled to seek interim maintenance. Pending arguments on maintenance should be decided expeditiously on the basis of income, conduct of parties and lack of financial support to the respondent.

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Adv. Preeti Dalal Adv. Preeti Dalal

Hisar | 25+ Answers

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