Abstract

The nullity and void of a marriage is defined as ‘Divorce’ in general perspective. It is not confined to just a legal separation but involves various other parameters that result in a dissolution of marriage. Statistical data proves that divorce rate in India has tremendously increased in the last decade with 13 out of every 1000 marriages in India ending up in divorces. Kerala stands second highest in India in terms of divorce rates as per the reports of The New Indian Express daily on February 08, 2018. According to the information from the Ministry of Law, more than thirty thousand cases are pending in the family courts of Kerala for the decree. In addition, many un reported cases of unsatisfied or separated marriages are still hidden under the veils of the so called ‘Sanskar’. Most of these cases are reported in the early stages of marriage normally within a year. Due to a conditioning regarding the stigma attached, many cases go unreported too. Rigid patriarchal controls render women voiceless against seeking divorces or reporting harassment. Seeking liberation from the shackles of a painfully destructive relationship is still an unthinkable luxury in India. Another reason is the high regard for the family’s reputation and feelings. Divorce comes with unbreakable social stigma in India. The slow and long drawn legal process in India and the huge amount of money that has to be spent on it are also reasons for this. The trauma of the divorce especially in women’s life is definitely petrifying and largely marginalized or taken for granted. Infidelity, physical and sexual abuses, lack of communication, financial difficulties etc. are some of the important reasons for marital separation. For this study, 79 samples have been identified by the researcher through the matrimonial advertisements published by divorced people for their second marriage in Malayala Manorama daily from January 01 to March 31, 2020. Interview method is used for the data collection. Based on the responses, the researcher has categorized the group into various sub groups and analysed the reasons for divorce. In most of the cases, the marriage ended up within a year and there were no children.