24-year separation is cruelty: SC grants divorce, overturns HC.

• Supreme Court granted divorce to a couple separated for 24 years, citing no hope of reconciliation.
• The Court ruled that prolonged separation without reconciliation amounts to cruelty to both parties.
• The couple, married in 2000, began litigation in 2003 and had been living apart for 24 years.
• Using Article 142, the Supreme Court dissolved the marriage, overturning a High Court order.

Why It Matters: SC rules long separation without reconciliation is cruelty, enabling divorce for dead marriages.