Delhi High Court Rules Spouse Cannot Be Forced Into Mutual Divorce

The <b>Delhi High Court</b> has ruled that a spouse cannot be forced to proceed with a mutual divorce after withdrawing consent. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna noted that contempt proceedings cannot compel a party to finalize a mutual consent divorce. The Court heard a contempt petition filed by a husband regarding a mediated settlement agreement from October 2025. The agreement involved dissolving the marriage under the Hindu Marriage Act, with the husband agreeing to pay Rs 3.6 lakh in two instalments. The Court observed that the law recognizes the right of either spouse to withdraw consent before a divorce decree is passed. Consequently, changing one's mind does not constitute wilful disobedience warranting contempt proceedings.