‘Forever' gets shorter as Hyderabad see rise in divorce filings

Time of India

13 hours ago

Hyderabad: Divorce filings are on the rise in Hyderabad, with the city recording a 25% jump over the past five years, according to data accessed by TOI. In 2019, around 4,805 petitions were filed across the city's family courts.
By 2024, this number increased to 6,406 across the three courts of the Integrated Courts on Family Disputes. Each court currently handles over 1,000 active cases.
Legal experts attribute the rise to changing social norms, increased financial independence among women, and a shift in expectations from marriage. They also cite the role of social media in fuelling mistrust and relationship strain.
According to advocates, divorce filings have seen a noticeable rise after the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The pandemic took a toll on everyone, including married couples. We're seeing more cases where couples struggle with emotional instability and compatibility issues, which is leading to an increase in filings," a senior advocate, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told TOI.
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City advocates have also observed a shift in both the nature and frequency of divorce cases. Krishnaveni, a practising advocate at the Kukatpally Court Complex, said, "In today's households, both partners often have to work to meet financial needs.
But this necessity is also becoming a key factor in rising divorce rates. Irregular work hours, job stress, long commutes, and poor urban infrastructure contribute to mental exhaustion.
Many couples reach a breaking point before they even realise it."
She added that the way people find partners has also changed. "Several alliances are now formed through matrimonial websites. In many cases, individuals misrepresent themselves in their profiles, leading to unrealistic expectations that unravel after marriage when reality sets in."
She pointed out that many of the current filings stem from minor to frivolous disputes, which often lead to misunderstandings and ultimately divorce.
Advocates also pointed out that divorce proceedings often stretch over several years, with most cases taking a minimum of three years to conclude. In many instances, the process often extends well beyond the average timeline due to delays in hearings, non-cooperation between parties, and procedural complexities.
Habeeb Sultan, an advocate practising in the city, noted a rise in divorces among couples who marry later in life.
"In many of the cases I've handled or come across, individuals are getting married at a later age, men around 30, women around 28. By then, both are more independent and set in their routines, beliefs, and lifestyles. This makes adjustment and compromise more difficult, often leading to friction early in the marriage," he said.
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