The wife's behaviour in the case of S. Hanumath Rao vs. S. Ramani (1999) was not cordial at her matrimonial home and towards her husband. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in this case held that mental cruelty means when either party to a marriage causes mental pain, suffering or distress to such an extent that it severs the bond between the husband and wife and, as a result, it becomes impossible to live together.

This judgment further clarified what constitutes cruelty as a ground for divorce. The wife refused to live with the husband and repeatedly threatened him with suicide. The Supreme Court ruled that such behaviour amounts to cruelty, justifying divorce. It highlighted the impact of psychological harassment on marital relationships.

This judgment elaborates on what constitutes mental cruelty under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The Supreme Court noted that persistent accusations, baseless allegations, and abnormal behaviour could amount to mental cruelty. It provided clarity on assessing cruelty in divorce cases.

In this case, the Court emphasised that cruelty as a ground for divorce is not limited to physical harm. Mental cruelty, which affects the emotional well-being and dignity of an individual, is equally valid.   The judgment set a precedent by recognising emotional neglect, constant false accusations, and character assassination as forms of mental cruelty. It further stated that marriage cannot be sustained at the cost of individual dignity and peace of mind.