Rise in divorce rates over the past 20 years

• Women taking initiative in seeking divorce

• Divorce rates in metro cities have tripled in the last three years

New Delhi – Over the past 20 years, the rate of divorce in India has increased. Two decades ago, 0.6% of women in the country were divorced; this figure has now risen to 1%. These statistics have emerged from the National Family Health Survey. According to data from 1986–87, out of 849 divorce cases, husbands had sought divorce in 570 cases — accounting for 67%. However, the trend has now changed, with approximately 58% of women now taking the initiative in filing for divorce. This means the proportion of men seeking divorce has declined from 67% to 42%.

1. According to a study by the Mumbai Family Court, in 40% of cases, marital relationships deteriorate within three years of marriage. Most women seeking divorce are in the 25–34 age group.

2. The percentage of divorce cases by state is as follows:

Maharashtra – 18.7%

Karnataka – 11.7%

West Bengal – 8.2%

Delhi – 7.7%

Tamil Nadu – 7.1%

Telangana – 6.7%

Rajasthan – 2.5%

3. According to the ADJUVA Legal Google Analytics 2025 report, divorce cases have tripled over the past three years in the cities of Lucknow, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.

Editorial Perspective

According to spiritual science and the scriptures of Dharma, marriage is a coming together to undergo one’s destined karmic experiences (prarabdha). While undergoing these experiences, if husband and wife engage in spiritual practice through righteous actions, they can, by God’s grace, lead a harmonious family life and live happily. For this to happen, it is necessary to impart education on Dharma to society.