As per case facts, the appellant/husband sought divorce from the respondent/wife on the ground of cruelty, alleging frequent quarrels, refusal to cooperate in counselling, threats of suicide, inflicting self-injuries, and ... lodging false complaints, causing him mental agony. The lower courts dismissed his petition, finding insufficient proof of cruelty and psychological issues. The parties had been living separately for a long period without children. The appeal to the High Court challenged these concurrent findings, arguing that the lower courts failed to appreciate the evidence of mental cruelty and the irreconcilable differences, leading to an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The question arose whether the lower courts were justified in dismissing the divorce petition despite the appellant establishing acts of cruelty and emotional harm, and whether the matrimonial relationship had irretrievably broken down. Finally, the High Court allowed the appeal, concluding that the respondent's conduct amounted to mental harassment and that the matrimonial relationship had irretrievably broken down due to lack of love, affection, or compatibility. The court granted the decree of divorce and directed the petitioner to pay permanent alimony.