As per case facts, the husband filed for divorce, but the trial court granted judicial separation. The husband appealed for divorce, citing cruelty, irretrievable breakdown, and the wife's false allegations, ... including an unsubstantiated claim against his father (her father-in-law) and registering an FIR where he was acquitted. The wife appealed against judicial separation, expressing willingness to cohabit. The parties have been living separately for over 14 years, and mediation failed. The question arose whether, in view of the prolonged separation and irretrievable breakdown, the decree of judicial separation should be converted to a decree of divorce. Finally, the High Court determined that the marriage was unworkable and beyond repair, constituting mental cruelty if continued. Considering the long separation, failed reconciliation efforts, and the wife's unsubstantiated allegations and criminal proceedings against the husband and his family (where they were acquitted), the Court converted the judicial separation decree into a divorce decree, allowing the husband's appeal and dismissing the wife's. The wife was granted liberty to apply for permanent alimony.