Psychological abuse is a ground for divorce: SC

Psychological abuse is a ground for divorce: SC

The Supreme Court has ruled that cruelty within marriage is not confined to physical violence but also includes psychological, verbal and emotional abuse, as well as behaviour that makes it impossible for a woman to live with dignity and safety in her home. In a detailed 17-page judgment authored by Justice Ayesha Malik, the court set aside the verdicts of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) and family court, ruling that a court cannot grant khula wit…

SC rules mental torment as severe as physical abuse in marriage

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a landmark judgment on domestic violence and women’s right to khula (divorce initiated by the wife). Justice Ayesha Malik authored the 17-page verdict, setting aside the earlier decisions of the Peshawar High Court and the Family Court. The court ruled that khula cannot be granted without the woman’s consent and that psychological abuse in marriage is as serious as physical violence. The ruling also state…