The Position of Women in Hindu Civilisation, from Prehistoric Times to the Present Day c7.s7.17

c7.s7.17

We may, however, point out that divorce went out of vogue only in the higher sections of Hindu society. The *Śūdrakamalākara*, written in the 17th century, expressly permits it to Śūdras and other lower castes². In the middle of the last century the Panchayats of several castes in Gujarat used to grant divorce. The Bombay High Court in the beginning recognised this right, but later on pronounced the custom as invalid on the ground of its being opposed to the spirit of the Hindu Law³. In actual practice at present, however, divorces are not difficult to obtain in the lower sections of Hindu society.