Kochi: Family court data in Kerala reveal a dramatic shift in marital attitudes, with divorce petitions rising by nearly 87% over the past six years. This surge reflects evolving social norms, growing financial independence among women, and a greater willingness to exit unhappy relationships. Recurring deaths linked to domestic discord further underscore the social significance of this trend.
Rising Divorce Petitions: Year-by-Year Data
According to data obtained through RTI, divorce petitions filed in Kerala increased steadily from 18,886 in 2020 to 25,020 in 2021 and 30,781 in 2022. The numbers climbed to 33,535 in 2023, dipped slightly to 30,647 in 2024, and surged to 35,238 in 2025. Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 1,74,107 petitions were filed, averaging about 2,418 per month. In 2025 alone, family courts received nearly 2,937 petitions monthly, though not all ended in separation as many were resolved through mediation and counselling.
District-Wise Breakdown
Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest monthly average of divorce petitions at 322, followed by Kollam (294), Ernakulam (289), and Thrissur (282). These districts, characterized by higher urbanization, education, and socio-economic development, led the state. Conversely, Wayanad reported the fewest, averaging just 41 petitions a month. Kasaragod, Idukki, and Malappuram also recorded low averages of 63, 86, and 111 petitions per month, respectively.
Expert Insights on Changing Attitudes
The data do not specify whether husbands or wives initiate divorces more often, but legal experts point to multiple factors. Senior advocate Lekha Suresh of the Kerala High Court noted, “People are no longer concerned about the stigma associated with divorce. Women do not want to endure abuse from husbands or in-laws. They prefer to leave toxic relationships, unlike in previous decades.” She added, “Financial stability is often cited, but if a working woman must hand over her earnings to her husband and seek permission to spend, that is not independence. Women today are increasingly conscious of their autonomy. Earlier, many needed family support to file petitions; now, many come to court alone.”
Suresh also highlighted that while reasons vary, some women exploit the process to demand large sums, sometimes crores of rupees. “Many couples opt for mutual consent divorces to avoid lengthy litigation. However, some spouses refuse out of vengeance, often harming children. Many divorced individuals remarry and may divorce again,” she said.
Role of Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
A family court counsellor identified domestic violence, narcotic substance abuse by husbands, extramarital affairs, and excessive parental involvement in daughters’ marital lives as major contributors. “Unlike before, parents now support daughters in divorce cases. Even when we advise reconciliation, many question why their daughters should endure unhappy relationships. Substance abuse often leads to abusive behavior, prompting women to leave. School and college reunions have also become platforms for rekindling relationships or starting affairs, contributing to marital breakdowns,” she said.
Notable Family Court Statistics
Among individual family courts, Sasthamcotta digital family court recorded the lowest number of divorce petitions in 2025 at 316, while Ernakulam family court received the highest at 1,957 petitions during the year.
