Divorce! Now just a click away?

Divorce! Now just a click away?

Marriages may be made in heaven, but divorces, it seems, may increasingly go online.

Several couples in the UK are using either their computers or mobile phones, instead of hiring solicitors, to dissolve their marriages. The reasons: Online divorces are legal, quick and come as cheap as £37 (approximately `3,300). In fact, it is estimated that one in five UK couples who divorce in the next 12 months will have launched proceedings online. However, experts warn that "easy divorce means more divorce".

Will Indians, generally perceived as traditional, be open to the idea of going online to end their marriages? With increasing internet access, especially in urban areas, and divorce rates skyrocketing in Indian cities, observers say it's only a matter of time when online divorce will be a reality in India.

Stand-up comedian Praveen Kumar says, "Online break-ups among couples who are dating are quite common in Bangalore. Couples are quick to update their relationship statuses on social networking sites. Sometimes the other partner comes to know about the break-up online," and adds that it'll be a while before Indian couples ending their marriages over computers or smartphones becomes a "common phenomenon". "Even if the system gets legal sanction, hardline parties like the Shiv Sena would definitely object to it," he says.

Psychiatrist Dr Shyam Bhat says, "Once online divorce gets legal approval, couples will definitely take advantage of the system. Currently, the legal process surrounding divorce in India is quite lengthy. Marriage as an institution is changing and the legal system should evolve according to the needs of society."

Counsellor Usha Mohan Das advises that couples in conflict should not make the "spouse for a mouse" trade-off. "First online marriages, now online divorces. I suggest that couples not 'byte' off more than they can 'sue'," she says. A Bangalore-based advocate who handles divorce cases adds, "Divorces are a reality, and the fact that they're going online is no surprise." When asked if would make advocates and courtrooms redundant, he quips, "I hope our profession survives this phenomenon!"

Divorce facts and figures
-An estimated 60,000 divorces took place in India in 2012
-There has been a 20% increase in divorce rates in Bangalore since the 1990
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