The Telangana High Court dismissed a woman’s plea for annulment and ₹90 lakh alimony, ruling that claims of her husband’s impotency and fraud lacked credible medical evidence.

Landmark Judgment on Alimony and Impotency Claims

In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court upheld the decision of the family court, rejecting a wife’s plea for annulment of marriage and permanent alimony of ₹90 lakh. The woman alleged that her husband was impotent and had concealed his medical condition prior to marriage.

The Division Bench found no substantial evidence to support her claims and confirmed the family court’s dismissal of her petition.

Background of the Case

The couple married on December 11, 2013. The wife claimed that the marriage was never consummated due to her husband’s alleged impotency.

She further alleged that:

• The husband had concealed his history of Rheumatoid arthritis, which she claimed caused sexual dysfunction.

• They never had sexual relations, despite two honeymoons in Kerala (2013) and Kashmir (2014).

• A 2017 medical report allegedly confirmed her husband’s inability to consummate the marriage.

• He abandoned her in the United States in 2018.

She sought:

• Annulment under Section 12 of the Hindu Marriage Act

• Divorce on grounds of cruelty under Section 13

• Permanent alimony of ₹90 lakh

Husband’s Defence

The husband denied the allegations, asserting that:

• The marriage was consummated and they had normal marital relations.

• He had only temporary erectile dysfunction, which was treated successfully.

• A 2021 medical examination confirmed a normal sperm count and potency.

• The wife’s accusations were inconsistent, as she lived with him until 2018 before filing for divorce.

Telangana High Court’s Observations

1. Absence of Evidence – Apart from the wife’s testimony, no independent medical proof or witness corroborated her claims of impotency.

2. Contradicting Medical Reports – While she cited a 2017 report, later tests in 2021 confirmed normal reproductive health.

3. Delay in Allegations – The Court questioned why the wife waited five years before making impotency claims.

4. Alimony Dismissed – Without proof of cruelty, fraud, or impotency, her ₹90 lakh alimony demand was rejected.

The Court remarked:

“Appellant cannot turn around and say that the respondent is impotent after five years of marriage when both the medical report and her own conduct indicate otherwise.”

Legal Principles at Play

• Impotency and Annulment – Under Section 12(1)(a), annulment requires strong, independent medical evidence.

• Cruelty under Section 13 – Allegations of concealment or incapacity must be proven to constitute cruelty.

• Alimony & Maintenance – Courts award alimony only when financial suffering or valid grounds for divorce are established.

What This Ruling Means

• Discourages False Allegations – Courts will not entertain unsubstantiated claims in matrimonial disputes.

• Reinforces Medical Proof – Objective medical evidence carries greater weight than personal allegations.

• Prevents Unjustified Alimony Demands – Excessive compensation claims without legal basis are likely to be dismissed.

Conclusion

The Telangana High Court ruling reaffirms that marriage annulments and alimony claims must be backed by credible evidence, not mere allegations. By dismissing both the annulment plea and the ₹90 lakh alimony demand, the Court highlighted the importance of medical documentation, consistency, and timely action in matrimonial litigation.

This case stands as a reminder that courts balance fairness with individual rights, ensuring that matrimonial disputes are not reduced to baseless accusations.