New Delhi: To avoid conflicting judgments by the Supreme Court in divorce cases, the Central Government is considering introduction of amendments to Hindu Marriage Act.

Recently, a Supreme Court Bench headed by Judge Markandeya Katju refused to order divorce to a couple even though their marriage has irretrievably broken down. But in an earlier judgment, Supreme Court had held that a spouse should not be compelled to cohabit in a condition when his/her married life had reached an intolerable stage. Consequent to these conflicting opinions of the Supreme Court, it is expected that the Government will bring in an appropriate amendment to the act.

It is expected that Justice A.R.Lakshmanan, Chairman of the Law Commission, would submit his report on amending the Hindu Marriages Act next week. Presently divorce is granted on 9 grounds including cruelty, desertion, serious infectious diseases, lunacy etc. under Sec 13(1) of the H.M. Act. Justice A.R.Lakshmanan has recommended changes in this section.